The 20 Most Useful Items for Your Go Bag
So you want to pack a go bag? Worried social constructs might break down and lead to mass chaos? Well, stranger things have happened.
And, you don’t have to be a bona-fide doomsday prepper to want to have a quick get-out plan. Go bags are meant to be somewhat compact and provide you the necessary equipment to survive almost anything for a few days. Sounds like good insurance to me. Because space is at a premium, you’ll need give some serious thought to what you will include (and what you won’t) in your go bag.
To get you started, I’ve compiled a list of items I’d try to stuff into my go bag. In the coming weeks, I’ll research some of the most highly rated items on the list and provide you with added detail. After all, the holidays are upon us, and who wouldn’t love a go bag as the ultimate care package.
- Begin your prep with a high quality duffle or roomy backpack (buy a bulletproof lining for the backpack).
- Pack a pistol – something compact that you shoot well. I’d suggest .40 caliber chambering to bridge the gap between capacity and terminal power. Include several .40 caliber magazines that fit your handgun.
- Consider a mounted flashlight for your pistol
- Take a fixed blade knife with sheath – partially serrated is good (folders should be with you all the time – serrations are a must).
- Bring at least 100 feet of 550 paracord – thousands of uses
- Pack a good multi-tool
- Bring food – freeze dried works best
- Pack good, lightweight rain wear
- Bring a flashlight – select one that can be used as a blunt weapon as well
- You’ll need Oral IV fluids to prevent dehydration
- Grab a butane lighter
- Don’t forget a quality emergency medical kit
- Good utility gloves are a must – protect your hands
- Spare batteries are essential – pack a variety
- Use a LifeStraw for filtering water
- Pack a JetBoil or similar unit for cooking food
- Stuff some energy bars and snacks into your bag
- Heavy duty zip ties – don’t leave home without them
- Mid-sized binoculars will serve you well
- Magnesium fire-starter will be a great back-up to your lighter
This should get you started, and remember to pack for your specific application, modify as needed, and be realistic and ready to confront life when it throws you a curveball.
