Doomsday Go Bag Essentials

Preparing for emergencies is something most of us understand is important, but don't always make time for.

This article will provide essential information on building a practical "doomsday go bag" with gear to handle a range of emergency situations.

We'll cover everything from water purification supplies, first aid essentials, critical tools, navigation aids, and more, helping you create a compact, versatile kit for emergency preparedness.

Introduction to Doomsday Preparedness

Being prepared for any emergency situation is crucial to survival. A "doomsday go bag" contains essential supplies to help you get through a crisis if you need to evacuate quickly or shelter in place. This article provides key information on packing an effective go bag.

Understanding the Doomsday Go Bag Concept

A doomsday go bag, also known as a bug out bag, is a portable kit that contains survival gear and other necessities. The goal is to have everything you need if you suddenly have to leave your home due to a disaster, societal collapse, or other life-threatening scenario. A proper go bag should contain food, water, first aid supplies, tools, and other critical items to sustain you for at least 72 hours.

When packing your bag, tailor the contents based on risks in your region. Prepare for likely emergency scenarios like fires, floods, storms, power outages, etc. Also consider if you may need to survive outdoors if evacuating urban areas. Test and adjust your kit over time to streamline the most useful items.

Identifying Personal and Regional Risks

To optimize your go bag, analyze hazards likely in your area and personal health factors. Those living in hurricane zones, for example, may plan for flooding, storms, and evacuation scenarios. In earthquake zones, pack tools to extricate yourself from debris. In all cases, basic medical and sustenance needs remain paramount.

Also consider factors like allergies, chronic illness, disabilities, or medications taken regularly. Pack enough supplies, prescriptions, and medical equipment to sustain specific health needs. Having contingency plans for these personal risks can mean the difference between life and death.

Essentials for Emergency Evacuation

If leaving quickly, focus first on lightweight necessities you can carry comfortably. For example, bring micro tools instead of full tools. Choose energy-dense foods that are compact and lightweight. Pack the lightest shelter possible, like an emergency bivvy instead of a tent.

Also prepare important documents like ID cards, cash/cards, medical information, and contacts for friends/family. Keep digital copies on a password-protected phone or USB drive as back up. This ensures you can access critical information if you lose connectivity.

Building a Compact Adventure Kit

Even for everyday use, a small go bag can give peace of mind. A compact adventure kit contains minimal tools, first aid, hydration, and other basics to get you through an overnight emergency if needed.

Use dry bags or packing cubes to organize by category. For example, group together emergency food, fire-starting tools, first aid, etc. This allows quickly finding what you need when stressed. Regularly test bags in outdoor scenarios to evaluate and improve your adventure kit over time.

By understanding go-bag concepts and preparing for diverse regional risks, you can pack an effective doomsday bag to protect yourself and loved ones. Customize contents based on likely emergencies in your area and personal health needs. Additionally, build a compact everyday adventure kit for minimal preparedness on-the-go. Stay safe in any situation by planning ahead with survival essentials.

What should be in your doomsday bag?

A doomsday or disaster preparedness bag should contain basic supplies to help you survive for several days in an emergency situation. Here are some of the most essential items to include:

Water and Food

At least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation
Non-perishable, high-calorie foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts
Water purification tablets or filter

Tools and Supplies

Battery-powered or hand crank radio to receive emergency broadcasts
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit with bandages, gauze, medicines, etc.
Multi-tool, duct tape, paracord
Emergency whistle and signaling devices

Clothing and Shelter

Extra clothes, hats, gloves and thermal layers
Rain poncho or jacket
Tarp, tent or emergency bivvy shelter
Sleeping bag and compact sleeping pad

Fire and Light

Windproof lighters, waterproof matches
Fire starting tinder and kindling
LED headlamp with extra batteries

Be sure to tailor your doomsday bag to your personal needs, adding prescription medications, pet supplies, or other essentials. Regularly check expiration dates and replenish any depleted gear. With the right emergency bag, you can better weather any crisis.

What should be in a disaster go bag?

Having the right supplies in your disaster go bag can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Here are some of the most essential items every doomsday go bag should contain:

Water

Pack at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. Water bottles and collapsible water containers work well. Consider packing a portable water filter or water purification tablets as well.

Food

Pack high-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, dried fruits and nuts, beef jerky, and canned goods. Have at least a 3-day supply.

Warmth and Shelter

Pack an emergency foil blanket, hand warmers, and a poncho to retain body heat. A compact sleeping bag or bivvy is also useful for shelter.

First Aid

A first aid kit with bandages, gauze, medications, tools, etc. is critical. Also pack 3 extra pairs of medical gloves and essential prescription medications (at least a 3-7 day supply).

The key is having the basic essentials covered - water, food, warmth, shelter, first aid. With those survival basics in your bag, you'll be prepared when disaster strikes. Choose durable, lightweight, and packable gear whenever possible for easy transport.

How to get free emergency kit?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a free Emergency Financial First Aid Kit to help individuals and families prepare for disasters and emergencies.

To get your free emergency kit:

Call FEMA at (800) 480-2520
Ask for publication number P-1075
Provide your name and mailing address

The kit includes a checklist of important financial records as well as forms and templates to help you organize critical information. Having these documents in one place can help you recover more quickly after a disaster.

The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit contains:

A checklist to help you gather key financial documents and records
Tips on how to safeguard personal information
Sample forms and templates to help you organize and store copies of important documents

Getting the emergency kit is a small but important step in preparing for the unexpected. Being organized can reduce stress and frustration later on.

Take some time today to request your free kit from FEMA. It could make a big difference if disaster strikes.

What is in the 72 hour assault pack?

A 72 hour assault pack, also known as a 72 hour kit or bug out bag, is designed to contain the essential items you need to survive for 3 days in an emergency situation. This type of go-bag is focused on practical survival gear rather than long-term sustainability.

Here are some of the key items to include in your 72 hour assault pack:

Clothing and Footwear: Pack at least 2-3 full changes of clothes suitable for the climate, including socks, underwear, pants, shirts, jacket, hat, gloves, etc. Prioritize versatile layers, moisture-wicking fabrics, and broken-in footwear.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Toilet paper, toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss, wet wipes, feminine products, small towel, travel soap, hand sanitizer.
First Aid: Adhesive bandages, gauze, wraps, antibiotic ointment, pain meds, safety pins, scissors, latex gloves.
Food and Water: Pack non-perishable, high-calorie foods like protein bars, dried fruits, beef jerky, trail mix, peanut butter, etc. Have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Include a portable water filter or purification tablets.
Tools and Gear: Flashlight, batteries, lighter, pocket knife, duct tape, whistle, zip ties, sewing kit, multi tool, garbage bags, compass, maps of the area, emergency blankets and shelter.
Other: Prescription medications, eyeglasses, cash in small denominations, external battery to charge devices, emergency contact info.

The goal is to choose durable, lightweight and practical gear that covers your basic survival needs, with the assumption that you may need to travel by foot to safety within 72 hours. Focus on essentials over comforts.

Water and Food Supplies for Survival

Having adequate water and food is critical for survival in an emergency situation. Here are some key considerations when preparing your doomsday go bag:

Water Filter and Purification Methods

Pack a portable water filter or purification tablets like Aquatabs to ensure you have access to safe drinking water. These remove bacteria, viruses, and protozoa from found water sources.
Consider including a compact emergency water purification kit like the Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw. These allow you to filter water directly from lakes, rivers, etc.
Boiling water is also an effective purification method if you have a heat source. Boil for at least 1 minute to kill most microorganisms.

Emergency Food Kit Selection

Choose calorie-dense foods that are lightweight and non-perishable such as granola bars, peanut butter, dried fruits and nuts. These will provide energy when surviving on your own.
MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) are a convenient option as they contain entire meals and have a 5 year shelf life. Choose MREs with the highest calorie count.
Avoid foods like canned goods that are heavy to carry over long distances. Prioritize portable, lightweight options.

Storing and Accessing Food Supplies

Pack food in airtight, waterproof bags or containers to prevent spoilage or damage. This will extend shelf life.
Distribute food evenly across your pack to balance weight. Heavy items should be placed close to your spine to ease carrying strain.
Label containers with a description and expiration date so you know what's inside without opening. Organize by food type or meal to efficiently access items.

Calorie-Dense Foods for Sustenance

Focus on protein-rich and high-calorie foods to provide energy when activity levels are high during a crisis scenario. These include peanut butter, nuts, dried meats, and chocolate.
Avoid low-calorie foods like fresh fruits or vegetables if relying solely on your food pack. These provide fewer calories and may spoil faster.
Consider packing calorie-dense trail mixes or protein bars which combine nutrients and calories in a tasty delivery method.

Medical Aid and First Aid Essentials

Be prepared to treat injuries, bites, burns, and illness while away from professional medical care.

Comprehensive Medical Kit Assembly

A well-stocked medical kit is essential for any doomsday go bag. Here are some recommended items to include:

Bandages: Assorted sizes of bandaids, gauze pads, rolled gauze, medical tape, butterfly closures
Medications: Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antihistamines, electrolyte powders, antacids, anti-diarrheal
Tools: Trauma shears, tweezers, safety pins, thermometer, medical gloves
Ointments: Antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, burn cream, antiseptic wipes
Miscellaneous: CPR mask, triangular bandage, emergency blanket

Prioritize trauma-related supplies, as well as items to treat common ailments like pain, fever, allergies. Pack supplies in a durable, organized medical kit bag.

Prescription Medications and OTC Drugs

If you take prescription medications, pack at least a week's supply in your go-bag. This includes inhalers, EpiPens, and daily medications.

Also consider packing over-the-counter medications:

Pain relievers: ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Anti-diarrheals: Imodium
Electrolytes: Pedialyte, sports drinks
Antihistamines: cetirizine, diphenhydramine
Antacids: Tums, Pepto-Bismol

Rotate medication supplies to ensure they don't expire. List all medications and dosages on a slip of paper kept in your bag.

Wilderness Medicine and Self-Care

Learn basic wilderness first aid to handle medical issues when isolated:

Wound care: cleaning, closing lacerations
Sprain/fracture treatment: splinting, RICE method
Burn care: cooling, dressing, infection prevention
Allergic reactions: antihistamines, EpiPens
Heat/cold injuries: warming/cooling body
Evacuation methods: carries, stretchers

Prep with reputable first aid manuals and online medical resources. Consider getting formal wilderness medical training.

Handling Trauma and Wound Care

For severe trauma:

Stop bleeding with direct pressure, elevation, and tourniquets only if necessary
Treat for shock: lay victim flat, keep warm and calm, do not give food/drink
Immobilize fractures by splinting limbs
Watch for signs of internal bleeding, head/spine injury

For wounds:

Clean thoroughly with soap and irrigate with potable water
Approximate wound edges together and close with steristrips or sutures
Cover with sterile bandage, change daily
Watch for signs of infection - redness, heat, pus

Having the proper medical knowledge and supplies can save lives in a doomsday scenario.

Shelter, Fire Starting, and Warmth

Critical for regulating body temperature and having a safe place to rest.

Building Shelter in Place

When building a shelter in place, focus on using materials from your surroundings. Look for natural shelters like rock overhangs, caves, or thickets of trees. You can also construct basic shelters from materials like branches, leaves, grasses or ferns. Some key tips:

Site selection is critical - choose an area that is protected from wind, rain, etc.
Insulate the ground with dry leaves, grasses or pine boughs.
Create a basic A-frame structure with branches and cover with more insulating materials.
Waterproof the shelter as much as possible using tarps, ponchos, etc.
Stay close to natural fuel sources for fire starting.

Having basic wilderness shelter building skills can be invaluable when caught without your normal camping gear or building supplies.

Fire Starting Tools and Techniques

Reliable fire starting capability is essential. Pack multiple options like stormproof matches, a couple BIC lighters, a magnesium alloy fire steel, and a weatherproof container of tinder like dryer lint, wax-soaked cotton balls, or commercial fire tabs.

It's also key to practice fire starting skills using various techniques:

Bow drill - rotating stick to create friction heat
Hand drill - rubbing hands together around stick
Flint and steel - striking piece of flint/quartz against high carbon steel
Fire plow - rubbing stick against groove in base board

Having practiced backup options and fuel sources can make an enormous survival difference if your main fire starter gets lost or wet.

Maintaining Body Heat with Thermal Gear

Losing core body heat quickly leads to impaired function and potential hypothermia. Pack quality insulating base layers, merino wool hiking socks, polyester glove liners, a warm hat, mylar emergency blanket, bivvy sack, and a 0°F mummy sleeping bag.

Other key pieces like a thermal beanie hat and windproof gloves will retain precious warmth. Hand and foot warmers are compact and provide up to 10 hours of extra insulation. The goal is having multiple layers and backup items supporting body heat regulation.

Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag and Pad

Get a quality mummy-style sleeping bag rated to 0°F or below. Top brands like Western Mountaineering, Feathered Friends, Marmot, and Sierra Designs optimize weight, packability, insulation and comfort.

Pair your sleeping bag with a compact, insulated sleeping pad. Inflatable pads provide more cushioning while closed cell foam pads better resist punctures. Having this layered sleep system helps maintain core body heat and critical rest.

Tools and Survival Gear Essentials

Equip yourself to handle risks and challenges while off-grid. Carrying the right tools and gear can make all the difference when facing an emergency situation.

Essential Defense Tools and Security Measures

When building your doomsday go bag, be sure to pack tools that can be used for self-defense and maintaining personal security. A quality knife and pepper spray can deter attackers. A tactical flashlight with a strobe feature can also disorient threats. Learn basic self-defense moves like martial arts blocks and strikes. Place a whistle on your bag to signal for help. Stay vigilant of your surroundings using all senses to detect potential dangers.

Multi-Tool and Survival Shovel Utility

A versatile multi-tool helps accomplish tasks from opening cans to making repairs. Look for one with pliers, screwdrivers, knife, saw, bottle opener, and more. A compact survival shovel digs, chops, hammers, and cuts. It can be used to gather firewood, build shelter, clear debris, or extricate your vehicle when stuck. These items maximize usefulness while minimizing weight and space.

Duct Tape and Paracord: The Unsung Heroes

Duct tape and paracord have a wide range of emergency uses. Fix rips in clothing and tarps, bandage wounds, make cordage, and improvise solutions with duct tape. Paracord is strong rope for lifting, hauling, securing items, making snares, and lashing shelter supports. Wrap these materials around water bottles, bags, and walking sticks, keeping them handy for quick tasks.

Lighting and Communication Gear

When packing your doomsday go bag, be sure to include lighting and communication gear. A headlamp frees up your hands for tasks like reading maps or setting up camp. Pack extra batteries and bulbs. An emergency radio provides news, weather reports, and emergency broadcasts when cell towers are down. A signal mirror, flares, and whistle visually and audibly alert rescuers. Waterproof matches, lighters, and fire starters provide essential ability to create fire for warmth, sterilizing water, signaling, and cooking. Having multiple forms of light and communication in your bag prepares you for diverse risks off-grid.

Don't get lost - understand where you are and how to get where you need to go.

Having both analog and digital navigation tools in your doomsday go bag ensures you have options if technology fails. A compass and map don't rely on battery power or cell service, making them essential backups.

Choose a military-grade lensatic or baseplate compass designed for precision. Topographic, road, and trail maps provide key details like terrain, landmarks, and potential shelter locations. Practice navigation skills ahead of time so you can efficiently travel to safety.

Escape Tools and Evasion Tactics

Carrying escape tools like a seatbelt cutter, glass breaker, or lock pick set enables emergency exiting and evasion. Having duct tape, paracord, and a multi-tool provides materials for improvising traps, shelters, or other survival gear.

Study evasion tactics used by the military, like avoiding detection, hiding tracks, or signaling friendly forces. Understanding these methods prepares you to safely traverse hostile territory during a crisis scenario.

Signaling for Help and Location Marking

Pack signaling devices like flares, strobes, or beacons to call for help if injured or lost. Carry trail marking materials like surveyor tape, chalk, or glow sticks to leave an obvious path for rescuers to follow.

Strategically use signaling and marking tools to direct assistance to your location. Place signals in visible spots during daytime and use glow features at night. Mark trails frequently so followers don't lose your path.

Turning Off Utilities and Leaving Safely

Before emergency evacuation, learn protocols for safely shutting off water, gas, and electricity to prevent fires or explosions. Study emergency escape routes and rendezvous points. Plot multi-directional exit plans accounting for road blockages.

Practice drills using secondary routes and multiple modes of transportation. Memorize directions so you can efficiently navigate away from danger zones without relying on technology. These preparations enable orderly, safe evacuation and escape.

Final Tips and Takeaways for Your Doomsday Go Bag

Customize your doomsday go bag based on your situation. Emphasize practicality over extras. Know how to use your gear.

Practicing with Your Survival Gear

Get familiar with your doomsday go bag tools before an actual crisis hits - test them out in backyard readiness drills to confirm everything is in working order. Perform practice bug out evacuations, set up your tent or tarp shelter, try filtering water with your portable purifier, and test your radio reception. Hands-on experience builds confidence and identifies any gear improvements needed.

Layering and Prioritizing Your Emergency Supply List

Pack the bare essentials first in your doomsday go bag, then add supplemental items as space allows. Create layers for modular preparedness - separate your most critical supplies from optional extras. That way if you must ditch non-essentials, you still have rations, navigation tools, first aid, etc. Prioritize space for calorie-dense food, water, navigation/communication devices, weapons, shelter.

Ensuring Comfort with Camping Blankets and Hand Warmers

While not strictly necessary for survival, items like Mylar camping blankets and air-activated hand warmers greatly increase comfort during cold conditions. As morale boosters, they justify the minor space and weight trade-off. Having basic creature comforts makes prolonged evacuation more bearable.

Harnessing Solar Power with a Solar Kit

For renewable off-grid energy access during a grid-down scenario, consider adding a compact solar kit or panel with charge controller to your doomsday go bag. This allows you to harness the sun's rays to continually recharge devices, batteries, and equipment without reliance on fuels. Solar power grants you long-term sustainability for communications, lighting, and other electric necessities.