Building Your Get Home Bag: Essential Items for Survival

If you’re like most people, you probably spend a significant amount of time away from home each day. Whether it’s for work, school, or other errands, it’s important to be prepared for any unexpected events that may occur. One way to do this is by building a “Get Home Bag” (GHB). In this post we’11 discuss what a GHB is, how to build one, and what I carry in my GHB.

What is a Get Home Bag?

A Get Home Bag is a small, lightweight backpack filled with essential items that can help you survive and make your way back home safely in case of an emergency. The goal of a GHB is to keep you prepared by always having the supplies and tools needed to get home safely in case your daily routine is disrupted.

Why do you need a Get Home Bag?

A GHB can be incredibly useful in emergency situations such as natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or civil unrest. It can also be helpful if you get stranded due to car trouble or if public transportation gets shut down unexpectedly. A well-stocked GHB can provide you with the supplies you need to survive until help arrives or until you can make your way back home safely. I have used mine several times from being stuck in traffic for 20+ hours to twisting an ankle on a hiking trail. Each time I have used it I am was glad I had it with me. You would be surprised what a simple snack can do to change your mood in a stressful situation.

It’s important to note that a Get Home Bag is not intended for end-of-the-world or doomsday scenarios. Rather, it’s meant to prepare you for unexpected events that may occur while you’re away from home.

How to build a Get Home Bag?

Building a GHB is a simple process. All you need is a backpack and a list of essential items that could aid you making your way back home. Before putting a bag together you need determine your needs. Think about the distance you may need to travel, the weather conditions you might encounter, and any potential hazards you may face. Also consider factors like your physical abilities, medical conditions, and the potential duration of your journey. All of these factors will influence the contents of your GHB. However, here are is a short list of some universal items you might want to include in your GHB:

1. Water – This can be an extra bottle of water or a refillable water bottle. Just make sure you have water in it.
2. Food – Pack non-perishable food items such as protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, and jerky.
3. First Aid Kit – Include band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medication.
4. Maps – Download maps to use offline if cell service is spotty. Keep a paper copy of local maps or a road atlas in your bag as it can come in handy if your phone dies.
5. Flashlight – Pack a flashlight and extra batteries.
6. Multi-Tool – A multi-tool can be used for a variety of purposes such as cutting, opening, and fixing.
7. Cash – Keep some cash in small bills, as you may need it to purchase necessities or to pay for transportation.
8. Whistle – A whistle can help you signal for help if you get lost.
9. Notepad and Pencil/Pen – You might find yourself in a position to take or leave notes.
10. Portable Power Bank with Charging Cable – A power bank can be used to charge your cell phone.

Note: While a backpack is a popular choice for a GHB due to its convenience and ease of use, you can use any bag that fits all the items that you need.

What is in my GHB?

I carry my bag with me in my car and I update it according to season, activity I am doing, and to get rid of expired items. I also do monthly bag checks to ensure all items are still in working order and change/charge batteries. Here is a short list what I carry in my bag on an average day.

Conclusion:

In summary, a Get Home Bag is a simple, yet effective way to prepare for unexpected events that may occur while you’re away from home. The key is to pack essential items that can help you survive and make your way back home safely. By including items like water, food, first aid kit, map and compass, flashlight, multi-tool, whistle, and cash, you can rest assured that you’re well-prepared for any situation that may arise.