Introduction to Go Bags
Go bags, also called bug-out bags, are portable kits filled with supplies that provide critical resources when forced to evacuate quickly during emergencies. They let you carry vital items and survival essentials on your person so you have what you need if disaster strikes. Experts recommend having ready-to-go bags for all household members, including pets.
Go bags offer insurance against life-threatening scenarios outside the home. They can make the difference between discomfort and death in an emergency by enabling survival away from home without modern conveniences and utilities. Go bags provide shelter-in-place or evacuation options during disasters, giving you the ability to escape safely with the most critical items you need. They also deliver peace of mind that you have supplies on-hand when seconds count.
The utility of go bags spans natural catastrophes like earthquakes and storms to manmade crises like infrastructure failure. Go bags allow swift, life-saving response in any sudden emergency that displaces you from home. Customizing your go bag with regional risks in mind further prepares you for the most likely threats in your area.
Proper preparation is all about having the right equipment and supplies when an emergency erupts. Read on to learn the go bag essentials that can save lives.
Defining Go Bags
Go bags, also referred to as bug-out bags, are portable emergency kits filled with critical supplies to help you survive when forced to evacuate quickly from a disaster or life-threatening situation. Having go bags prepared allows you to grab your kit and leave at a moment's notice, providing sustenance and survival resources if you suddenly find yourself away from the comforts and utilities of home.
Go bags are different from general emergency preparedness kits in that they are designed to be portable and carried on your person. While a home emergency kit may contain bulkier supplies meant for sheltering in place, a go bag is focused on only the bare essentials you need to survive when on the move or evacuating on foot.
Go bags are designed as all-in-one, lightweight kits for survival during the crucial 72+ hour period after a disaster when first responder resources can be overwhelmed. Having personalized go bags ready for each family member, including children and pets, helps ensure safety if disaster strikes when you're apart.
Go Bag Benefits
Go bags provide crucial insurance against life-threatening emergencies that force you to evacuate your home or become displaced from modern amenities and utilities. Having reliable go bags can make the difference between severe discomfort and potential loss of life in a crisis by equipping you with basic survival supplies.
Specific emergency scenarios where go bags are indispensable include natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires that require evacuation. Go bags are also essential in case of infrastructure failures caused by cyber attacks, grid failure, or industrial accidents that disrupt electricity, water, and fuel access. Civil unrest, rioting, and other unstable conditions may also require swift evacuation where go bags with survival essentials can save lives.
Go bags empower you to evacuate danger quickly or shelter-in-place with confidence, no matter if the threat is environmental or manmade. The peace of mind offered by having emergency go bags ready for your family is invaluable for preparing against the unexpected.
Go Bag Essentials
Certain supplies are universally recommended by experts as go bag essentials that balance utility with minimal weight and bulk. Including multifunctional and modular items in a go bag saves precious space intelligently. Use checklists organized by survival necessity when packing to simplify preparation and ensure you don’t overlook something critical.
Prioritize gear that meets survival needs for water, food, first aid, shelter, lighting, and navigation. Think practically about what is truly necessary to sustain life for 72 hours or longer. Only include reliable, durable equipment based on expert guidance. Avoid cheap or decorative gear that could fail when needed most.
Water & Food
Having potable water is an absolute necessity for survival. Pack durable, leak-proof water bottles and at least 1 gallon per person daily. Choose calorie-dense survival foods like protein or granola bars, dried fruit, jerky, and trail mix. MRE's or freeze-dried camping meals provide lightweight, long-lasting food. Don't forget critical tools like portable water filters, purification tablets, mini-stoves, mess kits, utensils, and can openers.
Products from WeLovePrepping.com like the Survivor Filter Pro portable water filter and Wise Company emergency food kits are expert-recommended options to include.
Emergency Shelter
An emergency tube tent, tarp, or lightweight backpacking-style tent can provide critical protection from the elements. Sleeping bags, blankets, and inflatable sleeping pads keep you insulated and off the cold ground. A hammock is another minimalist shelter option in forested areas. Include paracord, duct tape, bungee straps, garbage bags, and stakes to improvise additional shelter needs.
The Tube Tent from WeLovePrepping.com is an ultra-compact emergency shelter perfect for go bags. Their selection of sleeping bags and bivy sacks are also ideal choices.
Navigation & Lighting
Pack maps, a compass, and a GPS device to navigate without cell service. A multipurpose tool or Swiss Army Knife can include lighting, knives, and other functions. Headlamps and flashlights with spare batteries provide hands-free illumination. Glow sticks, flares, mirrors, and reflective gear also boost visibility and safety at night or when signaling for emergency help.
The Pocket Knife Multitool from WeLovePrepping.com combines essential tools like knives, a firestarter, flashlight, and emergency whistle. Their Outdoor Camping Lantern is a superior lighting choice over regular flashlights.
First Aid Supplies
A wilderness-oriented first aid kit can treat injuries from cuts to sprains. Pack any personal medications, prescription eyeglasses or contacts, and common OTC pain relievers. Include gauze, bandages, tape, trauma shears, antiseptics, and first aid manuals. Splints, slings, and elastic wraps allow stabilizing injuries. Face masks, sanitizing gel, and nitrile gloves provide protection from viruses.
WeLovePrepping.com offers purpose-built Tactical First Aid Kits designed to handle serious trauma and injuries in the field.
Tools & Miscellaneous Gear
A multipurpose tool or Swiss Army Knife substitutes for a full toolbox. Paracord, duct tape, and bungee straps enable endless repairs. A fire starting kit lets you generate warmth and sterilize water. Pack sturdy work gloves, protective eyewear, and N95 dust masks for safety. Signaling devices like a whistle, signal mirror, flare, or personal beacon can call for emergency help.
Emergency blankets, hand warmers, insect repellent, sunscreen, portable chargers, electrolyte tablets, and other specialized items can boost comfort and survival based on climate and destination. Copies of essential documents like identification and insurance cards in a waterproof bag provide security if separated from home. Having cash in small bills and coins prepares for making purchases or using payphones in a disaster. A deck of cards or book also provides valuable distraction and normalization.
WeLovePrepping.com's Survival Gear checklist provides an extensive list of recommended go bag items to consider.
Customizing Your Go Bag
While certain fundamentals are essential for any go bag, customizing based on your needs maximizes effectiveness. Account for additional supplies required by children, pets, chronic medications, or regional risks. A go bag should be tailored to your family, your home location, and the likely emergencies you may encounter.
Continuously maintain your go bag to keep it emergency-ready. Take inventory every 6 months, updating food, medications, clothing, and gear. Replace worn or expired items before they fail when needed most. An personalized, well-maintained go bag provides the best insurance for emergencies.
Choosing a Go Bag
Backpack styles allow even weight distribution for extended evacuation on foot. Look for padded straps, ventilation, and hip belts when choosing a backpack. Duffel bags provide versatile, large packing space with ease of access. Messenger and shoulder bags can serve as a more compact urban go bag option. Pick bright colors for visibility and to easily spot your bag. Choose an appropriately sized bag for each family member.
The 3-Day Backpack from WeLovePrepping.com is an excellent go bag choice with ample storage and comfortable carrying design.
Specialized Additions
Consider supplemental supplies for your family's unique needs. Pack kid-friendly foods, activities, and extra clothing for children. Include medications, food, a leash, bowls, and other essentials for pets. Add gear tailored for likely regional risks like earthquakes, cold weather, or floods. Have at least a week's supply of any critical prescription medications on-hand. Copies of important documents and some cash can also be beneficial.
WeLovePrepping.com offers specialized go bag checklists for pets, kids, and winter weather. Use these to customize your kit.
Maintenance and Updates
Take full inventory every 6 months and replace expired or depleted supplies. Swap out clothing, shoes, and gear as children and pets grow. Refresh dated medications, food, batteries, lighters, flashlights and other items with limited shelf life. Test emergency equipment routinely to ensure it remains functional. Repair or replace any worn or damaged gear that could fail when it's needed most.
Key Takeaways
- Go bags like bug-out bags provide customizable, portable survival kits for emergencies.
- Critical supplies include water, food, first aid, shelter, tools, lighting, navigation, and other fundamentals to sustain life.
- Pick a bag suited for your family's needs and maintain it regularly.
- Go bags can save lives during disasters by enabling quick escape and survival away from home.
- Being prepared with a reliable go bag offers invaluable peace of mind.
In summary, carefully packed go bags provide insurance and confidence that you have the basics for survival, regardless of the emergency. Customizing go bags to meet your family’s needs ensures you can safely evacuate or shelter-in-place. While each crisis is unpredictable, proper preparation can make all the difference. Keep your go bag ready and you’ll be equipped to handle the unexpected.
