Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag: A Complete 2022 Checklist
As a common-sense, practical prepper, I have a few bags that I have built out to each serve a unique purpose. Almost all of them share some of the exact same contents and serve a likeness in utility.
But, make no mistake, they are each designed to achieve specific outcomes with specific goals in mind, and are kept in intentional places ready to be deployed when/if necessary.
Some folks choose to make one bag to suit every purpose and take it everywhere they go. I don’t necessarily think this is a bad idea and I used to do the same. We all have our own individual plans and preferences.
However, experiences over the years have made me realize that I prefer to have smaller, more specialized bags, spread out in designated locations, ready for me to grab and go with a quickness.
Also, since each bag shares a lot of duplicate contents, it opens up the possibility of being able to share assets and have more tools to put into the hands of those who are competent in your circle. Empowering the people who you hold close could mean the difference between getting through a situation or not.
Or, at a minimum, you just simply have multiples of some essential core preps. Never a bad thing. “Two is one, one is none…”
Today we’re going to take a look at some common questions and considerations about developing a preparedness mindset and understanding how to construct the Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag.
Bug-Out or Bug-In?
One of the most popular topics in the survival and preparedness world is bugging-out. A lot of people have a not so well thought out plan to get out of their situation and think they’ll just head up into the mountains or the woods.
They live in a skewed and detached reality where movies and depicted stories of survival have them thinking they can do it too, damn it!
I hear things like “Hell, I know how to hunt, fish, and eat things in the woods. I’d be alright”. The truth is, they haven’t thought out anything based in reality and they hop back on the couch to catch the game and stuff their faces, right after comments like these, without giving another thought to readying themselves for the slightest alteration in their lives.
They’re basically “playing house” when it comes to any discussion of survival and preparedness. Just TALKING about it makes them feel like they’ve done something and gives them a little rush.
We’re so conditioned by an invisible safety net in this country. Well, as we are seeing, that safety net has holes in it and can be pulled away overnight.
Think about how many things, just a year ago, you thought would never happen. NOW look. This should open the eyes and light a fire under every Rugged Man out there to STOP TALKING and START DOING!
One day, the net may not be there and by the time we figure that out there will be no turning back and BOY, what a crack in the nuts that’s gonna be!
So, in absence of our safety net, we could simply just have the wind knocked out of us temporarily when we hit the cold hard ground of reality, or the impact could literally kill us. It all depends on preparation and training.
“We don't rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”
― Archilochus
There are a lot of situations where bugging out makes perfect sense, but we’re not going to go into great detail about that today.
If you have studied your situation, have a thorough plan based in reality, and actually have a great set-up to bug-out to, then that may be what you should do, especially if you’re in a heavily populated area and would be getting yourself and your family rural.
Otherwise, in most instances, it makes more sense for most of us to bug-in, to stay put. If you’re already in your home, then you’re already with shelter, food, clothing, water, utilities if they’re still running, and a place to comfortably lay your head at night (this is all assuming that you’ve prepared like you should by having 3 months worth of EVERYTHING you need to live).
Home is a great place to at least start out when considering a lot of scenarios. From home you may be able to slow down a little, collect your thoughts and resources, make a plan, and then only if it makes sense, bug-out and head to the hills.
But, what if you’re not home when things go down? There is a decent probability you won’t be, given how little time we actually spend at home, compared to all of the time of our lives that keep us out interfacing with the world for most of our waking hours.
What if you’re at work when things get real and your family are all at home? You’ve got to get there! You’ve got to get there, and you have to do it as quickly and safely as possible! You have to consider this for the safety of yourself and those you love. They’re counting on you and this has to become part of your preparedness plan.
This brings us to the star of the show today, the Get Home Bag, cousin to the Bug-Out Bag, but a slight variation there-of, designed to get you home so that you can pull it all together and make a plan.
It is designed to get you back in familiar territory where things make a little more sense for a time. It is designed to get you back to those you love and those who need you.
What Is a Get Home Bag?
A Get Home Bag is exactly what it’s name would imply. This is a survival bag dedicated to getting you home if you’re caught out in a disaster scenario. And, it doesn’t have to be a disaster for a Get Home Bag to help you along the way on your journey home.
It could be the “end of the world as we know it” or just some severe weather or a vehicle breakdown. But, in time and along the way, your Get Home Bag WILL serve you. Don’t be afraid to use it if you need it. Just remember to replenish whatever you use after you use it so it is ready to serve you when you need it again.
Your Get Home Bag (GHB) is ideally going to be smaller and more concise than your Bug-Out Bag (BOB) and should have at least a 24 hour plan invested in its contents. Your GHB should be designed to reunite you with your home, your family, and your BOB, one way or another.
Your GHB should be with you everywhere you go. I don’t mean that you take it to the table with you when you’re out to dinner with your wife, but it should be in the car.
In fact, over time, you should build another Get Home Bag that is part of your vehicle preparedness kit, especially if you’re in a situation where you can’t take it into your work.
If you can’t take a GHB into work with you, this is where a solid Everyday Carry (EDC) list comes in handy. Having a good everyday carry practice may be what gets you to your GHB, which is designed to get you home.
If you would like to know more about EDC, and would like to see what I choose to carry on my body and in my pockets every day and everywhere I go, check out The Ultimate EDC Essentials List for 2022 and start to put together your own EDC checklist.
The bag part of your GHB can be whatever type of bag you would like. I prefer to have my hands free, so a mid-sized backpack no smaller than 30 Liters works perfect for me.
I would suggest choosing a solid, but simple, bag that will just blend in well. It can be a good looking pack, but I prefer to not look ‘tactical’ or like a ‘prepper’, in a state of emergency. I don’t want desperate people looking at me and thinking that I’ve got everything THEY need.
Today’s list of Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag will be comprised of everything that I choose to carry. I practice what I preach and I feel that I have covered all of the bases that I can think of to aid me in getting home in the event of an emergency.
You may feel my list is way too much for you, or you may feel I have left out some very important things that you would never choose to do without.
Besides the core essentials, some of the contents in your bag are going to differ from mine. That’s why we each have our very own. This is just a jumping off point to get you started on putting together YOUR Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag: A Complete 2022 Checklist.
We’re going to start with the bag itself and then work our way through building it out, one piece at a time.
Let’s build this thing and make sure we can get home!
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Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag: 2022 Buyer’s Guide
BEST GET HOME BAG BACKPACK
Thule Crossover 32L Backpack
When it comes to my ideal Get Home Bag, I choose a backpack for a completely hands-free experience. And, when it comes to backpacks, the choices seem almost endless. There are a lot of great day-packs out there that would make great get home bags.
I am specifically featuring my current personal choice for a GHB, the Thule Crossover 32L Backpack, to show that you don’t have to have an AMAZING pack to have a really solid GHB. The Thule Crossover 32L Backpack is also, by appearance, a very low-key pack. It does not scream “tactical” and will blend right in.
This just happens to be a pack I bought years ago before I considered a multi-pack preparedness system, back before I considered keeping a GHB, and it just so happens that it’s perfect for the job.
The Thule Crossover 32L Backpack is big enough to handle everything that I need it to handle, but I wouldn’t be able to go much smaller. 30 Liters for me is bare minimum for a get home bag, but I prefer slightly bigger.
On that note, I would be careful how big we go here as well. You’ll want to be able to stealthily maneuver, and if your pack is too big, you’re going to be tempted to haul more than you need, weighing you down.
I love this pack and it continues to serve me well. However, I’ve got my eye on a replacement and as soon as it makes sense and I do a pack rotation, I’ll be making a new investment.
Allow me to introduce you to my future GHB!
Vertx Gamut Overland
When it’s time to upgrade, here’s where I’ll be going. With 33 Liters of space, the rugged and roomy Vertx Gamut Overland is a rough customer, and the beauty of it is, you’d never know it!
It’s sleek and streamlined appearance makes it almost unnoticeable and that’s exactly what we’re looking to do in an emergency ‘get home’ situation.
We want to travel under the radar and keep our assets hidden to the ignorant eye. We want to carry a ‘nothing to see here’ persona as we move through these types of situations.
You can rely on the robust construction and features built into the Vertx Gamut Overland pack to keep your gear at the ready. Lets take a deeper look and get a little more technical here.
The main compartment opens 180 degrees for easy loading and gear retrieval.
The convertible front flap stows quickly behind the loop-faced internal MOLLE panel to change its visual signature and for quick access to critical items organized there.
Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps and waist belt help you manage the load in comfort while maintaining control and stability.
FEATURES & SPECS:
Weapon-compatible concealed carry platform with loop lining and a Rapid Access Pull tab
Concealed carry platform accepts ballistic panels
Convertible front flap stows behind loop-faced MOLLE webbing panel to provide ready access to items mounted there and to rapidly change the bag’s appearance
Snaps on front flap zipper pulls prevent accidental opening and G-hooks straps enable front flap to convert to a sling for larger items
Main compartment has adjustable padded laptop sleeve, three gear slots, one abrasion-resistant zippered mesh pocket and strategically located loop panels for Tactigami™ and other hook and loop-compatible accessories
Modular padded laptop sleeve in main compartment adjusts in size and position and adapts to become a print-proof protective scabbard for weapon or sensitive gear
Admin compartment on top of the bag with abrasion-resistant and zippered mesh pocket and key lanyard
Main compartment opens 180° to easily load and access gear
Hot-Pull Tab can be set up for quick access to the main compartment
Zippered side compartments open toward the body for improved security and enable organization for your admin gear with total of two zippered mesh pockets and two drop-in pockets
Stretch side pockets securely cinch water bottles or similarly-sized necessities
3-D molded foam back panel enhances airflow and comfort and has a pass-through for rolling luggage handles
Multiple strategically-located and Tactigami™-compatible loop panels
Adjustable shoulder and sternum straps
Adjustable waist belt tucks away when not in use
Hydration bladder compatible with dual hose pass-through ports
Light-colored interior improves interior visibility
Accommodate up to 15” laptop
24.5” H x 12.5” W x 9” D
Capacity: 33 liters
Zipper lock snaps on main and front flaps
Bonded nylon thread throughout with critical seams and attachment points bartacked for extra durability
VELCRO Brand loop for top-of-the-line retention of Tactigami and other hook and loop-compatible accessories (accessories sold separately)
YKK self-repairing nylon coil zippers throughout
Quiet positive-grip zipper pull-tabs
3-D molded foam back panel and laptop insert
Abrasion-resistant mesh used on internal pockets
For me personally, no GHB is complete without a reliable compact firearm safely and securely stored away, yet easily accessible if a self-defense situation were to show it’s ugliness.
For years I have had to get creative with how I accomplish this safely and efficiently.
However, the answer is profoundly simple.
The Vertx Tactigami to the Vertx Gamut Overland is not unlike peas and carrots, as this union is meant to be!
The Vertx Tactigami line of products by Vertx truly shows their genius! These lightweight, malleable pieces make for the ultimate way to carry weapons and accessories in a bag or pack.
Experience the unique storage capability of Vertx Tactigami with the MPH Full accessory holster. MPH stands for Multi-Purpose Holster, which adapts to fit virtually any full-sized hand gun.
If you’re packing a sub-compact firearm, then your perfect mate here is the identical, yet smaller, brother of the MPH Full, the MPH Sub.
Built from Velcro One-Wrap, this holster literally wraps around and ‘hugs’ your pistol for a completely customized fit to prevent sliding. The holster then attaches to loop panel in ANY direction for completely customized carry. The Vertx Tactigami is the ultimate in pack concealment!
BEST CLOTHES FOR A GET HOME BAG
What kind of clothing you choose to pack into your get home bag will depend on where you live, the season, and what you are usually already wearing when you’re at work or away from your home.
It will also depend on the bag you choose for your GHB. I like to have at least 30 Liters of capacity for the things I like to haul and have ready.
For me personally, I’m usually already wearing something that is suitable for most adversities I would encounter while trying to get back to my home.
However, I do carry extra things that are some duplicates of what I’m already wearing (not exact) because two is one and one in none, you know.
So, we’re going to include cold and warm weather seasons and you can pick and choose what you’d like to keep or get rid of on the list.
Again, these are just examples of the things I like to have in my Get Home Bag. If you where a suit to work, I would suggest you have a bag packed with clothing suitable to get you through a disaster, like these!
Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Not much to say here.
It’s a T-Shirt.
Just keep something sturdy enough to hold up to some rough wear and tear.
Keep it simple and comfortable.
Remember, we’re mainly just trying to blend in here.
First Lite Men's Furnace Long John
Here we are with one of those ‘it depends’ kind of items.
For me, if the nights are still chilly, I’m going to have a base layer set rolled up tight and tucked away in the bottom of my pack.
You’ll barely notice they’re in your pack, but you’ll certainly remember if you’re shivering your timbers and suddenly remember, ‘I’ve got a base layer!’
It can be a life saver and I’ve had this very thing happen to me time and time again over the years.
First Lite Men's Kiln Crew
Depending on the season, my base-layer top usually ends up doubling as just my long-sleeve shirt in chilly weather.
If you choose not to wear your long-sleeve base layer as your short, again, it rolls up very nice and compact in your pack without taking up a lot of space.
This item certainly deserves a spot in your Get Home Bag if you’re living in colder climates or if the season warrants it.
Men's Rain Defender Paxton Hooded Heavyweight Sweatshirt
I prefer a hoodie over a button down for this type of preparedness. There’s something about a collared shirt with buttons that doesn’t mix well with me and rough activity, especially survival situations.
A rugged, sturdy and thick hoodie can provide enough protection and keep you warm enough to operate while also allowing you to maintain a high level of flexibility and agility, which is an important consideration.
A hoodie can be pulled on and off quickly and can easily be tied to the waste or over a pack and out of the way when not being worn.
Men's Ripstop Relaxed Fit Work Pants
The Carhartt Men's Cotton Ripstop Work Pants are some of the most amazing rugged pants I’ve owned. They feature Carstrong lined front pockets for ventilation.
The double-front on these pants are with clean out openings for knee pads. They also come with LOTS of pockets for utility and that’s speaking my language.
For colder weather, this exact pant with a flannel lining is a perfect tactical pant ready for just about any condition you can find yourself in.
For more great ideas for different types of tactical pants in ALL weather and climates , check out THE BEST PANTS FOR HUNTING BY FJALLRAVEN and MEN'S OUTDOOR PANTS: THE TOP 4 I WON'T DO WITHOUT.
These articles dive deep into our favorite outdoor and tactical pants here at Rugged Man and will give you more options as to which pair of pants might suit your needs better in a survival situation!
HEAD, NECK, & FACE PROTECTION
No matter what the weather, protecting your head, neck, and face in an emergency situation is vitally important.
We are going to lay out some cold & warm weather options to consider to make getting home easier and maybe even help make it possible.
We are also going to cover a few items the can help to shield you against dust, wind, and particulates in the air, if you use them properly.
Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat A18
We lose a lot of heat through the crown. Protecting the top of the head is of utmost importance during cold weather, not to mention the importance of keeping the ears warm. Here’s a classic that should last you for many years.
Carhartt Buffalo Sandstone Mesh Cap
Another classic, whatever brand you choose, the old-fashioned brimmed hat. A simple head cover that can keep the sun off of your crown, has a mesh backing for air circulation during hot weather, and a bill to help shade your eyes from the sun for a clear line of sight.
Airhole Airhood Balaclava Combo
Keep your face comfortable and protected from the elements, both natural and some that are not so natural.
The Airhood Combo Polar + Drytech has a moisture wicking polyester blend construction and features a face mask with a Drytech thermal fleece construction.
The utility of a good balaclava should not be underestimated, as it covers some of the most important vitals on the human body.
Outdoor Research Ghost Rain Hat
Be prepared for all kinds of weather and conditions with this incredibly versatile hat from Outdoor Research. The Ghost Rain Hat features a durable nylon construction with a fully waterproof GORETEX crown that you can pack away when the sun comes out for increased breathability, and a UPF 50+ sun protection rating.
Shemagh
The shemagh is a perfect all-weather article of clothing, but is especially useful in hot arid weather. Not only a sun blocker, but the shemagh offers protection from dust and debris and can be used for an assortment of purposes.
A towel, rag, headband, water filter, rope, arm sling, makeshift bag, emergency bandage, and a weapon, are only some of the utility you can get out of one of these simple tools.
This is one of the most versatile pieces in your GHB. I have two, as they fold into nothing and take no space.
RAIN GEAR FOR SURVIVAL
Rain gear can be paramount. If you get wet in the wrong conditions, forget about just being miserable, you now have a life-threatening situation.
Even in 50 degree weather, if you’re wet for long enough, you run this risk. Believe it or not, hypothermia sits at the number one position of all outdoor killers!
Frog Toggs Rain Suit
You don’t have to go all out on your rain gear. Just make sure you pack something of decent quality and also something that will roll up tight and nestle into a corner of, or at the bottom of your pack.
Besides the added plus of being a wind-block, the main purpose of rain gear is to simply keep you dry. Your base clothing should play the role of keeping you warm underneath.
Liberty Backpacker Poncho
I personally like to have a lightweight and easily packed rain suit. But, if you’re the type that would rather roll with a poncho, make sure that it’s sturdy and designed for multi-functional use.
The Liberty Backpacker Poncho has a back panel extension that fits over a full size pack to serve as a backpack cover, and the corner grommets allow you to transform the poncho into a makeshift shelter.
BEST TACTICAL FOOTWEAR FOR SURVIVAL
Waterproof, lightweight, and durable are the core characteristics we want when we’re choosing the footwear that we’re going to count on to get us home during a survival situation.
We also want something that is going to comfortably hug our feet without being too restrictive.
Having a little wiggle room, but staying snug enough that blisters are not a concern even over long distances, is the perfect balance that we’re looking for in a good survival footwear.
Timberland Chocorua Waterproof Hikers
If you’re like me, you’re going to want some ankle support with whatever sturdy footwear you choose. When it comes to essential footwear for getting you home, you’re ideally going to want something lightweight, durable, and waterproof, with great non-slip tread.
The Timberland Chocorua Waterproof Hikers, in my opinion, are the perfect pair of boots to get through just about anything. I have NEVER had even a slightly sub-par experience with Timberland Footwear. I am very hard on boots and I know I can count on them to last longer than just about any other boot I’ve spent my hard-earned dollar on.
USEFUL TIP:
Don’t forget to replace your boot strings with your color choice of 550 paracord. I keep a 1000 ft spool on the shelf at home and cut off sections as I need it. Paracord is one of those pack items you will pay special attention to not running out of as you experience more of its utility and usefulness.
For boot laces, simply take the factory boot strings out of your boots and measure a piece of 550 paracord to match, or make a custom length to your liking. Then take a lighter and burn each cut end of the cord to seal it. I promise you these survival boot laces will outlast many pairs of boots for years to come.
Carhartt Slip-On Boots
I personally like something a bit sturdier with more ankle support for catastrophic preparedness. However, there’s something to say for space saving lightweight footwear that is quickly slipped on and taken back off when needed.
I use to have a pair of these and if my situation called for me to actually have to haul an extra pair of boots or shoes in a pack, this would be my choice again. If you do have to haul extra boots, consider a slightly bigger pack than you may have originally thought.
They’re well built, durable, and provide ease of use. They can be packed away and bent and folded to fit into some tight spots. For those of you who work in an office or a situation where you have to wear a suit, this may be the get home bag footwear choice for you.
Darn Tough Vermont
I know that I have “stressed the importance” of A LOT of things today, but socks are on the top of my list.
If you’ve ever been way out, with no choice but to walk if you’re going to get back, and have to do that with blisters on your feet, you will put it at the top of your list as well. A good pair of socks are sometimes the difference between blisters or no blisters.
They have an extra heavy terry loop cushioning surrounding the entire foot and entire leg for maximum warmth. Over-the-calf, terry rib knit for custom fit, custom shrink treated Merino wool, and reinforced heel and toe. Elastic support at the arch along with ring toe construction provide a comfortable, invisible seam. These socks are ideal for extremely cold weather.
Darn Tough Vertex Ultra-Light Socks
For hot weather scenarios, breathability from your feet is a major factor in keeping you cool. Darn Tough Vertex Ultra-Light Socks are a great balance where strength and durability meet lightweight comfort and agility.
The Vertex No Show Tab Ultra-Light Socks are made out of a naturally anti-microbial, moisture wicking merino wool blend fabric with a True Seamless design to reduce blisters and a performance fit.
BEST GLOVES FOR A GET HOME BAG
If your hands are extremely cold they just don’t work right. There’s nothing like trying to get something important done in a hurry, but you keep messing it up because your hands are numb and you’re just prolonging the exposure to the cold. It’s a vicious cycle!
No matter what climate you live in, a good pair of gloves protects one of the most important parts of our bodies for survival. Besides our brains, one of the only things separating us from a lot of animals is our opposable thumbs. Let’s try to keep those.
Hestra Deerskin Wool Tricot
Keeping your hands warm and operational during cold weather is not always easy. I find that sometimes I have to combine a few elements and pieces to make this achievable.
Keep your hands warm and comfortable while you’re trekking home with these classic Deerskin Wool Tricot Gloves from Hestra. They are perfect for wearing over top of a good solid liner and will protect you from basic elements.
These Deerskin Wool Tricot Gloves are made out of a soft blend of deerskin and goat leather with a cozy Italian wool lining for added warmth.
Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners
Outdoor Research has changed the game with these lightweight, breathable waterproof glove liners. Introducing the Outdoor Research Waterproof Liners, the first ever waterproof fleece liner, capable of being worn alone or underneath another pair of gloves, should be an essential component of your get home bag.
Edelweiss S-Grip Glove
I carry at least three pairs of gloves in my GHB. One pair is for absolute warmth to be worn over top of a utilitarian glove liner that can double as it’s own durable glove that makes for easy handling, and finally the third pair, the tactical pair.
This brings us to the Edelweiss S-Grip Glove. This is my tactical glove that takes the beating and does the heavy lifting if needed along the way. These are synthetic gloves made with an anti-slip silicone synthetic leather palm, stretch fabric, and neoprene. Two half-fingers and two full fingers are for dexterity.
When I’m done with the rough stuff, these go back to the pack and I break out my Hestra Deerskin Wool Tricot again for trekking. It’s a system that works for me and keeps my gear working and functional for a very long time.
STAYING HYDRATED IN A SURVIVAL SITUATION
Notice how this section is not entitled, “FOOD & WATER”. That’s because we want to stress the order of importance here.
Good clean water is one of the first provisions that should be looked after in every aspect of your life, even during normal times.
The ‘rule of threes’, humans can survive three weeks without food, three days without water, three hours without shelter (in harsh environments), and three minutes without oxygen.
So, with the expectation hopefully that we will have oxygen, and our plan at hand to get home, it appears the priority is to secure water or at least the ability to obtain it. Let’s take a look at some lightweight and practical ways we can do this.
Sawyer Mini Water Filtration System
1 Liter of Water in a Metal Container. I suggest a metal container because it gives you the option to boil water and/or cook in if necessary. I also carry a metal cup that fits snugly on the bottom of my metal Nalgene.
Klean Kanteen 27oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle
A stainless steel water bottle is preferable in a disaster situation mainly for two reasons. It is durable and will take a beating, and you can boil with it if you need to.
I also prefer tall and slender and of course as many ounces as possible. You may find that you would like to have two of these, depending on your pack and how you have it configured.
LifeStraw
I have one of these around everywhere I go. Once you have them primed, you can drink water straight from the source in some pretty questionable and surprising scenarios.
Now, I wouldn’t go around sucking water through one of these things from some kind of fuel or chemical spill, but it will filter out a surprising amount of bacteria. This, of course is a last ditch scenario. All else must fail before this is how I will get my water. However, it’s great to know this is always in my pack and has my back.
SPECS:
Award-winning LifeStraw has been used by millions around the globe since 2005
Removes minimum 99.9999% of waterborne bacteria (>LOG 6 reduction) and surpasses EPA standards for water filters
Removes minimum 99.9% of waterborne protozoan parasites (>LOG 3 reduction) and filters to an amazing 0.2 microns
Filters up to 1000 liters of contaminated water WITHOUT iodine, chlorine, or other chemicals
Comes in a sealed bag, perfect for storing for emergencies
BEST FOOD FOR A GET HOME BAG
When it comes to food for a Get Home Bag, you want to keep it extremely light and simple, nothing elaborate.
You can get a lot of calories in your pack without weighing you down or taking up space.
We don’t want to have to take the time to cook, nor do we want the attention that can come along with cooking.
One or two cans of sardines, and 5 or 6 energy bars work good for me. If you don’t like sardines, beef jerky is another great option for some protein to get you through. There is nothing ‘fun’ about this situation and food is to be rationed for survival and to get you home.
Wild Planet Wild Sardines
For me, sardines are a great choice. They’re packed full of nutrients and oils. As far as nutrition is concerned, you can’t do much better. The only thing is, you can’t haul more than one or two cans without feeling the weight.
Also, you need a fork or spoon if you don’t want to use your hands and smell like fish everywhere you go. For me, this is easily accomplished and completely unnoticeable in my pack with a couple of bamboo sporks. These sporks are virtually nonexistent when it comes to weight or space in a pack.
Clif Bars
Five to ten energy bars are a big calories booster and can be stuffed compact into tiny corners of your pack and weigh nothing.
These are easy to want more of when you’re really hungry, so you have to keep the big picture into consideration or you’ll run yourself out of rations and crash down off of too much sugar. So watch it!
SELF DEFENSE IN A CRISIS SITUATION:
THE BEST GET HOME BAG GUN
Before you do anything involving a firearm, check your local laws and make sure you don’t do anything to get yourself in hot water and make sure you have all of your required permits. Keep yourself legal.
This is obviously a very touchy subject for a lot of people and you personally may not be comfortable with packing or even owning a firearm. I respect and understand that.
I personally choose to be able to protect myself by keeping distance between me and the attacker(s). If things have gone south and desperation is in the air, nothing brings someone back to reality faster than facing a firearm.
If someone is trying to attack me, as grown men, I have no reason to believe they are not trying to kill me. One of the best ways to curve and deter this behavior is with a firearm.
You don’t even have to use it (and that of course is the desired outcome), but sometimes the sight of it will stop a bad guy in his tracks and let him know that you are not easy prey.
Disasters drive people to do crazy things. Fear breeds anger, desperation, and violence, and before you know it, good people can make terrible decisions.
Ideally, you want to put yourself in the best position possible to be able to handle a situation calmly and with confidence, and above all, PREVENT anything from happening in the first place by playing it smart and avoiding bad situations as much as possible.
When you see or sense that something’s off, go the other way!
This brings us back to blending in, being “the grey man”. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to employ the Vertx Tactigami in your pack. We’ve reviewed this holster towards the top and beginning of this article.
I personally use a 38 Special +P as my get home bag firearm. I know, I know, it’s a revolver and it doesn’t have the round capacity of a semi-automatic. However, it has NEVER jammed on me. I can’t imagine it ever will. For that reason alone, a revolver is the choice for my GHB.
THE BEST GET HOME BAG KNIFE
When considering the knives I carry for any situation, I try to think of their purpose. That is going to fall under two categories for me and sometimes maybe both. Self defense and utility.
Although these are interchangeable, I sometimes like to consider them separate, and this is one of those times.
In a ‘get home situation’ your resources are limited and you want to be able to rely on your tools and self-defense items.
Therefore, I do not want to destroy my self-defense knife by using it to pry open a can of sardines. I need to use a TOOL for that. So the following are some knives I like to keep in my GHB.
The first, I try to keep pristine, sharp, and ready, as a defense weapon. The second acts as both tool and weapon. The third will do whatever I want it to until it falls apart.
If you would like a full in-depth look at more knives that certainly all have the capability of being a great Get Home Bag Knife, check out these two posts:
THE TOP 7 EDC (EVERYDAY CARRY) KNIVES OF 2021
THE 5 BEST HUNTING KNIVES OF 2021
Benchmade Griptilian
This is the perfect knife to either wear on your hip or tuck away in a small slender compartment of your pack that’s easy to access. With a superb blend of functionality and durability, you should be able to rely on the Benchmade Griptilian for many years to come.
The 550SBK-S30V Benchmade Griptilian features a manual opening design with an AXIS locking mechanism and a corrosion-resistant CPM-S30V steel blade.
This knife is usually reserved for self-defense. Otherwise it doesn’t see times any harder than peeling an apple. That being said, it’s not a very busy blade, but it will ALWAYS be there if I need it and I will ALWAYS have it.
KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion
This knife has earned several nicknames like “The Warlord”, “The Beast”, and “The Tank”.
It is one of the best utility knives on the planet.
It serves as a fierce protector while also being able to be batoned to split wood and serve as an all round useful tool.
One satisfied outdoorsman referred to it as a “crowbar of a knife”.
He went on to say “the blade is unbelievably thick and I watched my son in law actually try to break the thing.... he drove it into a tree and stood on it with all of his 245lb weight........blade not only didnt break but remained perfectly straight!!! Holds an edge like you wouldn’t believe… it will blow your mind!”
I’m not sure I believe that and I’ve certainly never had THAT much fun with it, but it does see some hard use on the regular.
Smith & Wesson Liner Lock Folding Knife
This is my beater knife. I ALWAYS carry a beater knife. Sometimes it’s a Kershaw Cryo, however at the time of the writing of this article, it is the Smith & Wesson Liner Lock Folder.
I call these knives beaters because I can use them as a tool and I don’t worry about damaging them. They will be the first blade to get sacrificed if a job seems that difficult.
If I’m working, doing any hard labor at all, or in the event of an emergency, one of my beater knives will be on my hip, clipped to my belt or the inside of my pants, and ready to grab.
A couple of general rules for a knife to qualify for this position are to be under $20, and yet, still be made by a reputable company. Most of the time even the cheapest product from a reputable company is still going to be of decent quality.
BEST TOOLS FOR A GET HOME BAG
Having a well-rounded and well-thought out set of tools, strong and lightweight, can also mean the difference between whether you make it home or not.
Simply put, if you don’t have the tools, there are certain jobs that just can’t be done and obstacles that can’t be crossed. In our hypothetical and chaotic situation today, this could make or break you.
Let’s take a look at a few things you may want to keep in your Get Home Bag.
Telescoping Walking Stick
Since you’re probably walking mostly to get home in this situation, don’t underestimate a good telescoping walking stick.
It can take wear and tear off of the body, act as a prop for a makeshift shelter, and also be used as a weapon or to keep distance between you and an attacker, whether two-legged or four-legged. When you’re not using it, you can simply collapse it down and strap it to your pack.
Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool
I’ve always packed a good Leatherman Multi-tool and it’s always done me good to do so. Leatherman keeps making them better and stronger.
You’re going to want to have a good multi-tool on hand if you’re in an emergency and need to get home. If you’re in your car, hopefully you’ve got a real nice set of tools to depend on.
However, depending on conditions, you may not be able to use your car and may have to ditch it to go on foot. In either case, there are countless situations in which it is necessary to have a good multi-tool.
The Leatherman Signal features traditional tools as well as several extras to keep you prepared for the unexpected. Unique additions include a shaped diamond-coated blade sharpener, fire starter, and an emergency whistle.
A sturdy nylon sheath is included for maximum protection and portability. Don't let your pack come up short without the Signal Multi-Tool!
Silky Pocketboy Folding Saw
Having a small durable saw can do anything from removing debris off of a roadway or essential path, to sawing up firewood, or to even saw up limbs big enough that, when combined with some good strong paracord, can make one HELL of a shelter if you had no choice but to hunker down for a day or three.
The Silky Pocketboy is a compact folding saw that will take up very little room in a pocket or backpack. It features a rust-resistant, hard chrome-plated, taper-ground blade with an impulse-hardened non-set tooth design for greater cutting efficiency.
The blade locks securely into one of two open positions, in line with the handle and flush cutting. It comes with a clear thick plastic flip-lock carrying case with belt clip. One of the handiest tools I own.
Morakniv Bushcraft w/ Ferro Rod & Diamond Sharpener
Here’s one of those knives that make for multiple uses, and as we say from time to time, two is one and one is none. I can’t take credit for that saying, but I like to say it.
Morakniv makes some really great inexpensive knives that are almost all geared toward bushcraft tooling. This one comes with a ferro rod and will serve as another tool, weapon, and fire-starter.
This knife has an anti-corrosive black coated blade of high carbon steel. The sheath comes with two interchangeable belt clips. The spine of the blade has been ground especially for use with a fire-starter.
Whether it’s a couple of cotton balls soaked in vaseline, some wood shreds, or some Wet Fire tabs, make sure you’re also hauling some fire tinder.
Atwood Parapocalypse Paracord/Parachute Cord
This amazing 7-Strand Core paracord comes equipped with Fire Starter Waxed Jute, 10lb Mono Fishing Line, Dyna-x, and Yellow Kevlar Cord 625lb Test. WOW!
I’ve got to admit, I haven’t used this stuff, but with all of my experiences with regular 550 paracord, I would imagine this is a fantastic tool to have on hand.
Combine this with a small lightweight tarp and a few emergency blankets and you’ve got your shelter covered. A small tarp folds flat or rolls tight, and a these little mylar emergency blankets can stuff in the front pocket of your pants if you had to.
You can always go with the regular, inexpensive 550 paracord and obviously never go wrong. I ALWAYS carry at least 100 ft. It will come in handy in more ways than you know.
Gerber Impromptu Tactical Pen
Having the ability to write down important information or to leave notes or a trail can turn out to be an underestimated asset.
Having the ability to do it in the rain without compromising the work is even better! Even better than that is the ability to use your pen as a full-blown sturdy weapon!
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebook
Other items that I like to have on hand are an actual paper map of the area along with a good base plate compass. This may seem archaic to some of our younger readers, but if the grid goes down, so does the smart phone in your pocket that tells you where to go when you’re lost.
Having the ability to read a map and compass, at least at a basic level, should be a part of your preparedness plan. These are just basic skills every practical prepper should know. You may thank yourself one day for learning this, whether it’s an emergency or not.
Also, having a small roll of Gorilla Tape has never hurt my feelings. It’s some of the best tape on the planet and I have been amazed over the years at what this stuff can hold together and the conditions it can withstand.
BEST FIRST AID KIT FOR A GET HOME BAG
Being able to keep your body and your wounds clean is absolutely necessary.
If I’m on my property putting up a fence or some other type of work and I get a minor cut, I don’t think much about it and I know that I will clean it up later when I get to the house.
However, in a situation where you are out and exposed to the rest of the filthy world, that little cut could mean the end, especially if major medical is down and you can’t get help.
An infection setting up inside of you without the proper medical support is a slow painful death sentence.
Having a substantial and sturdy First Aid Kit attached to, or inside of, your Get Home Bag is up there in the rankings with shelter, warmth, and water.
The Solo First Aid Kit by My Medic
Small, water resistant and lightweight, The Solo First Aid Kit fits perfectly in most backpacks and it's even safe for carry-on wherever you fly.
The two buttoned molle straps on the back of the Solo bag are also perfect for attaching this Kit to your GHB.
My Medic has created this bag to give you quick access to your First Aid Supplies. This flat-fold design makes it easy to see what you need, when you need it.
Range Medic First Aid Kit by My Medic
Another option from the outstanding folks over at My Medic. This is a variation that leans a little more towards the tactical side of things while still covering the basics.
“The RangeMedic is the best First Aid Kit for shooting on the planet. Whether you're going to the range, hunting, or deployed, accidents happen and a disaster that calls for a ‘get home’ situation certainly qualifies.
Experts at My Medic have designed this kit by using range injury data, field testing with firearms professionals, and advisors from the professional medical community to protect you from any range day mishap from minor to catastrophic. Whether you’re hammering steel at 25 yards or reaching out to a 1000+ the Range Medic will be there to help you... Stay Alive!”
We here at Rugged Man love My Medic and find ourselves over at their site geeking-out and drooling over all of there cool kits and emergency supplies. Go check out their site when you have the time to see which one of there specialized first aid kits will work for you.
HYGIENE:
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister
Keeping up on the basics when it comes to hygiene while being stuck out in the world is something you’re going to want to pay attention to. It is essential for your well-being and, at a minimum, good for morale.
Keeping it all in one compact area is also important to keep yourself organized. If your pack is organized, your thoughts are likely to be a little more organized as well.
The Base Camp Travel Canister is the perfect way to do just that. It’ll hold everything you need to have the basics of hygiene covered and it is very compact.
The North Face Base Camp Travel Canister is made from rugged material and is ready to take a beating. This durable travel canister comes with twin haul handles, internal mesh pockets, internal clip, Velcro strap, mirror (covers emergency signalling) and D-zip opening with zipper flap.
You should take the time to build out this kit yourself to cater to your particular needs. I am personally going to include some extra contacts (you can reuse daily contacts for a few more days with contact solution and a case, FYI), a toothbrush and toothpaste, a couple of bandanas (multiple uses), an extra dry bag, a small roll of toilet paper, a small towel, and soap. Some sort of moist towelettes are also good for a quick clean and go.
Although I try not to make it a habit to overdue hand sanitizer, these days it’s kind of necessary to have and of course you would want some on hand during a catastrophe.
Also, even though a small part of your first aid kit is going to have a few of each in it, don’t forget to include some extra pain reliever/fever reducers and make sure you pack extras of any medications you rely on.
THE BEST FLASHLIGHT FOR A GET HOME BAG
Shouldn’t really have to say a whole lot here. You need to be able to see VERY well at night and you make sure you have a back up of a back up when it comes to lighting.
Small, light, and extremely powerful is the name of the game here.
Fenix RC05 Rechargeable Flashlight
Never be without light when you have this easy to carry flashlight. The Fenix RC05 Rechargeable Flashlight is perfect for EDC and is custom-made for catastrophe.
It features a single rechargeable Li-ion battery and a standard AA battery for emergencies. This makes for a great SHTF flashlight.
You can keep it charged with a portable USB power station and if you’re out long enough for that to go out, you can start using AA batteries.
AA MINI MAG LED
This is an inexpensive old-faithful here. These have been around for a very long time and they can be counted on. Stuff this little fella in a memorable spot in your pack and you now have a reliable back up flashlight.
Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
Here’s that hands-free experience that is so important for tending to multiple things in the dark or defending yourself while blinding your attacker.
The Spot Headlamp from Black Diamond has an incredibly water resistant design with multiple light settings and features Brightness Memory that lets you turn the light on and off without changing your setting. Don’t forget extra batteries for this guy.
Coghlans Lightsticks
Don’t underestimate the usefulness of glow sticks. They’re dirt cheap, weigh nothing, take up no space, and will help you save batteries in lieu of your flashlight or headlamp if all you need to do is illuminate your surroundings if you have to hunker down for a night.
I’ve got to take this opportunity to share with you a little trick that may or may not be something that you make part of your GHB, but it is one of the cheapest and forms of security around an outdoor perimeter.
With a small mouse trap, a glow stick, and some cordage, you can fasten this rig to a perimeter and have it set to trip if someone or something enters your camp. If the trap is engaged it will break the glow stick and splatter luminescent material all over whoever, or whatever, is invading your space.
There is no avoiding that your invader will be glowing in the dark and you will always know where they are!
BEST RADIO FOR A GET HOME BAG
Reaching back into the not so distant past is a good idea when we consider technology and how fickle it really is. Just a couple of major points need to be disrupted and dark it goes. Then chaos is probably not far behind.
Old fashioned radio communication and FM/AM may be your only sources of information and if you’re not acquainted, I suggest you get. It may be what keeps you from making wrong turns around bad corners.
RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Radio
Having a hand cranked radio means that you have one of the last means to tune in and try to make sense of bad situation.
A lot of modern systems could go down and you still may be able to utilize the AM/FM/NOAA Weather channel to get information and make important decisions.
This sidekick also features a 1000 mAh battery for charging your phone in case those systems have not been hit and are still live. It also has a bright and long lasting LED flashlight to add another light source in case power outage.
FEATURES & SPECS:
New Design: 1000 mAh power bank for charging your iPhone & cellphone via Micro-USB cable directly, no need of adapter anymore;
A Must For Emergency: Keep this AM/FM & NOAA weather radio with your family, get up to date with the latest weather and all hazard information for your area;
More Than A Radio: Compact sized flashlight radio with 1W longer lasting powerful LED can be with you in camping, backpacking, hiking or any other outdoor activities;
3 Rechargeable Ways: Micro USB charging, Solar charging, Manual hand crank to wind up the internal battery;
What You Get: RunningSnail emergency radio, Micro USB cable, instruction, appreciation card, our worry-free 12-month warranty and friendly customer service.
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
If services are still available and you have access to the internet, there is no debate as to how useful this is. But, wouldn’t it be a shame if you’re battery ran out? All of that knowledge and power at your fingertips with no power!
The PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger can help ensure things like this don’t happen to you. A revolution in high-capacity portable charging, it fits easily into any pocket or bag, making it the perfect charger for an emergency situation.
FEATURES & SPECS:
High Size-to-Capacity Ratio
3 Phone Charges
High-Speed Universal Charging
Smaller than a deck of cards and as light as a baseball.
Cobra 29 LX MAX Smart Full Featured Professional Cb Radio
I know this may seem a little over the top, but installing a CB radio has come in handy for me more times than a few just in everyday life.
Obviously, you’re not going to keep a CB radio in your GHB, but keeping the car ready and equipped is all a part of getting home safely if you’re lucky enough to be in a situation where you can use it.
If you’re simply in a traffic jam, having spent 15 minutes reading the manual and learning how a CB radio works out on the highway, you can found out what’s going on from truckers all around you who are sitting up way higher than everyone else and can see what’s going on. This is great for even when there isn’t a catastrophe.
Also, just being able to listen in to certain channels if times are a little strange and you want to hear what folks on the highway are talking about can be a great source of information. It’s not that difficult to transform you’re vehicle into a CB radio having machine. Now you just have to enjoy coming up with you radio handle!’
Even if you’re not able to use your vehicle to get home safely, you can attempt to communicate using your CB radio before you set out on foot. This may enable you to get help faster, learn what and where to avoid on your journey, or maybe even save you from having to walk at all if you can get help to come to you!
FEATURES & SPECS:
iRADAR APP - Receive and report live police alerts including speed traps, road hazards and red-light cameras based on the nearly 1 million iRadar users out on the road today.
BLUETOOTH - Legally use your smartphone to answer, place and terminate phone calls at the touch of a button while staying focused on the road. With a noise cancelling microphone, you can have quality conversations over the noise of the engine.
REWIND-SAY-AGAIN– Replay the last 10 seconds of a missed message that is automatically recorded with a digital voice recorder so you never have to miss valuable information and you can also record a 10 second memo to replay at anytime.
NOAA WEATHER CHANNELS - Be the first to know of incoming hazards or changing weather with instant access to NOAA weather channels 24 hours a day and an audible tone warning from the station.
NIGHTWATCH - Fully illuminated customizable LCD colored display in blue, red, green and amber for easy viewing in day or nighttime conditions so you can stay focused on the road without distracting bright lights.
BEST MINIMALIST WALLET WITH RFID BLOCKER
Cash is King, and during a disaster scenario, it may be all that can be used. Cash is not reliant upon a power grid and everybody loves it. I personally think you should always carry a decent amount of cash for these reasons.
However, you want to be careful how much you let anyone know that you have on hand.
Never have all of your cash in one place and careful when you’re pulling it from hiding places that nobody is watching.
Divide it up into smaller amounts and hide it in various places on your body and inside your clothing.
Besides you’re wallet, some good mid- to high-top boots are a good place, yet a known place to street savvy thieves, so keep that in mind when you’re sizing up your company.
Be creative with where you put your money. I would be leery about putting much in the pack. Ironically, as this article is about contents for a Get Home Bag, the bag can still be lost. Chances are your boots and clothing are going to be attached to you and your money will probably be safest there.
Eagle Creek RFID Blocker Hidden Pocket
Another great place to store you’re cash, and cards (because of it’s RFID blocking technology), is the RFID Blocking Hidden Pocket from Eagle Creek.
It features belt loops in both black and brown, depending on the color of your belt, and will hide perfectly along your waistline providing a stealthy design that is moisture wicking and durable in construction. A secret and handy little partner to have if the SHTF!
Something else to consider that I personally put into practice is to carry a little coin. I like to keep about 20 $1 coins on me and maybe a roll of quarters, all in my GHB. It doesn’t really weigh that much and it’s an extra $30 for if all else fails and could be the difference between eating, fueling, and getting home, if by some odd set of circumstances you lost all of your cash and cards. Just a thought.
“The most fortunate of us all in our journey through life frequently meet with calamities and misfortunes which greatly afflict us. To fortify our minds against the attacks of these calamities and misfortunes should be one of the principal studies and endeavors of our lives.”
― Thomas Jefferson
The truth is, we are far more resilient than we think in our capabilities, but we rarely put ourselves to any kind of test, so we don’t know our threshold and that keeps us unprepared for disaster.
We’re unsure about our limitations. In our minds we have this action movie idea of what we’re going to do when disaster strikes, but the truth is, our training falls far short of our capabilities.
This teeter tottering of uncertainty in a soft and coddled society is setting us up for failure if we don’t grab ahold of it and start moving our own pieces. We must train our bodies and minds to be able to handle extreme situations.
With proper training, mentally, emotionally, and physically, we could probably get by with nothing and make our way home, within reason. But as a practical prepper, I like to have as much of a drop on a situation as possible.
I want to reinforce that putting together Essential Contents for a Get Home Bag is very much an individual endeavor. YOUR Get Home Bag is going to be different from mine. Only YOU can decide what YOU need to survive and get home in a disaster scenario.
Our goal today has been to give a crystal clear example of how to put together a solid GHB, and to at least get you thinking about your needs if such a time were to arise that your loved ones were waiting and depending on you to get home and look after them.
We hope we’ve helped you to start thinking in these ways. We also hope that you never have to use your Get Home Bag for anything more than minor inconveniences.
Until next time, stay prepared, stay alert, stay Rugged, and be ready to snap into action when things get tough.
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