The Bug Out Bag is an essential component of a prepper’s arsenal. However, it is often unfeasible to carry one around with us as part of our daily routines. Although a good Bug Out Bag contains a great amount of necessities needed to survive in an apocalypse, it is also important to be prepared for non-catastropihic situations as well.

Enter the Get Home Bag – the Bug Out Bag’s little brother.

The Get Home Bag is just that – a bag to get you home. Its intent is to provide supplies needed to walk safely from a relatively nearby location, such as your workplace or your car, to your home.

Why do I need a Get Home Bag?

Emergency Preparedness. Unforseen circumstances can impede our normal routines, and being ready to flee on foot if necessary is always a good idea. For example, you may find yourself needing to leave your location suddenly, whether it’s due to a snowstorm, flood, or a broken down car. Having a Get Home Bag with you will ensure you will be prepared for a potentially long trek. Everyday Preparedness. A Get Home Bag can be for more than just getting home during an emergency. I use my Get Home Bag for everyday needs as well, such as keeping medication on hand, having a snack around if I’m hungry, or having an extra pair of gloves in case a cold front comes through. There are tons of possibilities, and putting together a bag to match your needs is part of the fun!

The Bag

The bag I chose is a tactical bag. I chose this because it allows for molle attachments, has a variety of pockets and compartments, and doesn’t draw too much attention with its dark color. It’s a medium sized bag, so although it doesn’t fit a massive amount of gear, it’s still spacious and can be carried for a long distance easily.

Almost any backpack or bookbag can become a Get Home Bag. It should be big enough to hold the neccessities, yet small enough to carry comfortably for a few hours. Ideally, it should also be water-resistant. Keep in mind, you may find yourself having to walk for a while if you ever have to use it. A good rule of thumb for Get Home Bag weight is about 20 pounds, give or take, depending on your size and strength.

Supplies

These are the supplies I have in my Get Home Bag, broken out into categories by function.

Water

Hydration will be crucial for your walk home, especially if it’s hot out or you are walking home from far away.

Water bottle

Water filtration straw

Having more than one method of water procurement is highly encouraged. I keep a Nalgene full at all times (primary water source) as well as a filtration straw (secondary water source) in the case that I need to drink from a river, stream, or other unpure water source.

Fire

Starting a fire on your way home may not be necessary, but it’s never a bad idea to have a fire-starting kit handy just in case. I keep all of fire-starting supplies in a dry bag.

Waterproof matches

Fuel tabs

Flint fire starter

Bic lighter

Clothing & Shelter

Pack clothing that is catered to your environment. I live in the northeast US, so clothing for cold weather is essential for me. However, your needs may be different. Consider your local weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Extra clothes T-shirt Socks Underwear

Compact jacket

Emergency poncho

Fleece hat

Fleece neck warmer

Sweatband

Mylar rescue blanket

Microfiber towel

Shemagh/scarf

Hand warmers

Foot warmers

Hiking boots/extra shoes (not pictured)

Crampons – spikes worn on boots to aid walking on ice

Self-Defense

Hopefully, you will never find yourself needing to use self-defense mechanisms, but they are always good to keep with you in case a difficult situation arises.

Tactical knife – This knife was a particularly cool find. It’s very good quality for the price and has a hidden compartment in the handle complete with a variety of survival tools.

Pepper spray

Baton

Stun gun

Tools

Multitool

Swiss army knife

Flashlight

Pocket screwdriver

Monocular

Paracord

Adjustable zip ties

Super glue

Silcox key

Bungee cord

First Aid

This is an important one. First aid is something you should always have ready, regardless of whether or not you are prepping for an emergency. My kit is comprehensive, but having even a handful of these items can potentially save someone’s life.

Elastic bandage

Vinyl gloves

Tissues

Bandaids

Sterile pads

SteriStrips

Moist towelettes

Alcohol swabs

Cotton swabs/cotton balls

Vaseline

Gauze pads

QuikClot

Medical adhesive tape

Antibiotic ointment

Burn gel

Aloe vera gel

Anti-itch cream

Moleskin

Salonpas pain patches

Tick reference card

Medications and supplements Ibuprofen Pepto Bismol Benadryl Multivitamins Muscle relaxants (prescription medication) Pain killers (prescription medication) Anti-anxiety pills (prescription medication) Immodium Ranitidine Alka-Seltzer Prilosec Caffeine pills Oscillococcinum Cold/mucus relief pills DripDrop hydration powder iOSAT



When packing medications, add extras of your daily prescription medications to your bag if possible. If you’re like me and are sometimes forgetful, having them available away from home can help you prevent missing doses. I can’t stress how many times this has saved me! As someone who suffers from migraines and other health issues, I’ve used my Get Home Bag to store medication for when I’m out and about, and I’ve spared myself the headaches (literally).

Toiletries

Compact hairbrush and mirror

Small roll of toilet paper

Anti-bacterial wipes

Tampons & pads

Bug spray

Sunscreen

Bobby pins

Food

Protein meal bars

Peanuts

Candy

Energy shot

One serving of dog food (for Puppy Prepper)

Communication

Extra cell phone (old iPhone), in waterproof case

Portable cell phone charger

Sharpie

Pen

Red glow sticks (for high visibility)

Waterproof note pad

Map of my local area – in case GPS isn’t available

Miscellaneous

N95 masks

Hospital masks

Sewing kit

Extra batteries

Musher’s Secret (for Puppy Prepper’s paws)

Ear plugs

Safety pins, eye hooks, and paperclips

Carabiners

Whistle with compass

Wallet with extra cash and copies of identification (not pictured)

As a reminder, this list is a jumping off point. As you assemble your unique Get Home Bag, keep in mind that it should suit your individual needs. I encourage you to pack emergency supplies as well as extra supplies that you use often in aiding your daily routine.