GET HOME BAG

A Get Home Bag (GHB) is not about comfort, style, nor buggin out—it’s about practicality and real purpose during reasonable civil emergencies. The sole objective of this bag is to get you home safely when an emergency leaves you stranded away from your normal means of transportation and where your normal patterns are disrupted. Whether due to natural disasters, civil unrest blocking traffic, or a sudden infrastructure failure such as bridge collapse, a well-packed GHB ensures you have the tools and supplies necessary to navigate your way back home efficiently.

Packing a GHB requires excessive discipline and realism. This is not a survival bag meant to sustain you for weeks, months & years and not intended to stave off all scenarios either. Instead, it’s a high functional short-term solution for situations where you might realistically need to walk long distances or improvise new transportation methods. The key is to focus on what you truly need and eliminate anything superfluous. After packing your bag, try wearing the bag and test its weight. If it feels too heavy or cumbersome, reassess its contents. Every item must serve a clear purpose—carrying unnecessary weight will only make your journey harder.

When considering what to pack, think about the specific scenarios you might face. For example, if you live in an area prone to wildfires, an N95 mask is crucial for protecting your lungs from smoke and ash. If your commute involves a long-distance highway with no truck stops, items like a collapsible water bottle and a survival straw become a feature in case you're stuck without access to clean water. For urban environments, cash in small denominations can help you barter discreetly for transportation or borrow a phone, while a knife or multi-tool can address various minor emergencies.

Items to Include in Your Get Home Bag:

• N95 Mask: Protects you from smoke, ash, or dust in emergencies like wildfires or building collapses.
• Collapsible Water Bottle: Portable and easy to store, ensuring you stay hydrated without adding bulk. Do not forget to have a full water bottle if available.
• Survival Straw or Water Purification Tablets: For accessing safe drinking water in case of limited resources.
• Moleskin: Prevents and treats blisters during long walks, which are inevitable if you're on foot for hours.
• High-Powered Flashlight with Spare Batteries: A necessity for navigating in low light or signaling for help.
• Basic First Aid Kit: Few personal medications, aspirin, large bandages, neosporin,
• Knife or Multi-Tool: Useful for cutting, repairs, and self-defense if necessary.
• Poncho or Lightweight Rain Gear: Keeps you dry in unexpected weather, which is critical for staying comfortable and avoiding hypothermia.
• Space Blanket: Compact and lightweight, offering warmth and protection during overnight stays outdoors.
• Cash in Small Denominations: Enables discreet bartering for rides or supplies without drawing attention.
• Fire Blanket: Provides emergency protection from flames or extreme heat and can serve as a temporary shelter.
• Food: 1 MRE sealed and packed. Not a fancy treat here but if you are walking long distances you will appreciate food and need the calories. Handful of hard candies keep your moral up.
• Clothing: Spare sock sealed in bag. Jacket, warm gloves, warm hat.
• Defense Item: Choose a tool you’re comfortable with, such as bear spray, a collapsible baton, or a legally permitted firearm.
• Sleeping: Sleeping bag and compact tent. I know what you are thinking that tents are huge and expensive. The tent I am referring to is a temporary tent mylar that sells for as little as $20. Again this is emergency kit not your vacation camping gear.
• Directions: Burner phone with USB battery bank would be outstanding in most scenarios. But a compass and old school paper map might have to do if you are new and live in remote area without cell reception.

Imagine a wildfire forces road closures while you’re at work. With an N95 mask, you can safely walk through areas filled with smoke. A flashlight illuminates your path as the sun sets, while the survival straw allows you to drink from a nearby stream. The moleskin you packed prevents blisters from forming during the extended hike, and the cash tucked away in small envelopes buys you a ride partway home. Each item in your GHB serves a specific function, ensuring that you're prepared for the journey ahead. Each item you should review, hold and know how to use it or else it becomes worthless to you on your trip. Remember to set aside every other month to change out batteries, charge items and inspect for damage and replace as necessary.

A GHB is not about survival in the wilderness or preparing for the apocalypse—it’s about ensuring you can return home safely when normal systems fail. Be realistic about your needs, prioritize mobility, and test your bag to ensure it fits comfortably and isn’t overly heavy. With careful preparation and the right mindset, you’ll be ready to face any unexpected challenge and make your way home.

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