What's in your get home bag?

Discussion in 'General Survival and Preparedness' started by jab73180, Aug 14, 2013.


  1. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    So what's in your get home bag? How far away from your fortress do you travel in a day? I would think as the second increases, so does the first.

    -Jason
     
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  2. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    I bought a nice ll bean back pack from goodwill and proceeded to fill it with necessities. The bag is blue and very inconspicuous. In the bottom I have a surplus wool blanket with an extra mag and spare rounds for the lc9. The front small pockets have 2 MRE entrees and the other has a first aid kit that I made. The front main pocket has my fire starting pouch which includes matches and a spark blaster thingy, a German cook stove with extra fuel tabs, a leather man wave, a maglight aa flashlight, extra batteries, a Kershaw skyline fixed blade knife, nylon utensils, whistle and water purification tabs. In the main pocket I have extra socks and long johns and toilet paper all individually vacuum sealed, canteen, cook set and water storage bag. I am probably forgetting some stuff but that should cover it. I dont have a weight on it but it is very manageable, not over burdened at all.

    I travel for work 100 miles from home so a capable get home bag is a must. Any thing I should add or take away? I should probably have a bigger knife also.

    -Jason
     
  3. Yard Dart

    Yard Dart Vigilant Monkey Moderator

    Good start and question @jab73180. I would first ask you to evaluate how long you think it will take you to cover that 100 miles and what kind of terrain you will cover in that distance. Depending on many things, but in general, that distance will take you at the minimum 4 or 5 days in great shape. The terrain and proposed routes will dictate the type of footwear, clothing and other items which in some areas have seasonal considerations. I use a poncho liner (in lieu of a wool blanket like you mentioned) as it is light in weight even if it gets wet.... it works well for me.... plus it is camoflauged :cool:

    For that distance (2) MRE's will never keep you substained for the energy level and that time frame to get home, which will either force you into foraging for food enroute (slowing you down to get home) or put you in a position of loss of energy/motivation due to hunger. I would also address your water purification and have multiple means to purify water... you may need it if your travel takes much longer due to unforseen issues.

    I have a 40 mile leg to get home with water crossing's if bridges are out or guarded and one 2,300 ft pass to cover the shortest route... my truck EDC bag has about a week's worth of food and supplies. You never know what obstacles, hostiles or situations you may encounter that require your route to deviate adding miles.
    YD
     
  4. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    I def need more food. I also have a poncho. I think I have a space blanket also. I technically have 2 ways to purify water including boiling. What else would you suggest?

    -Jason
     
  5. Yard Dart

    Yard Dart Vigilant Monkey Moderator

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  6. Yard Dart

    Yard Dart Vigilant Monkey Moderator

    I did not see anything in your list about map's... a 100 mile trek can have many routes, cache points, obstacles and so on. I would put some thought into having good maps with routes ID'd, cache plans, safe layover areas and such. Here is a link to a thread a while back with some good input on various map sources, as one of the many, many references you will find on the Monkey to help with your planning and success:
    Area Recon and Mapping- Static or Bug-out Planning | Page 2
     
  7. kellory

    kellory An unemployed Jester, is nobody's fool. Banned

    May sound stupid, but a folding bicycle, would cut those miles down a lot faster. They fit in the trunk, and some of them even have motors.;)
     
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  8. Airtime

    Airtime Monkey+++

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  9. kellory

    kellory An unemployed Jester, is nobody's fool. Banned

  10. STANGF150

    STANGF150 Knowledge Seeker

    In my case there is my Work Bag which is a Maxpedition Falcon II as well as a slightly bigger bag that stays IN my Truck. My workbag has all the things I needs at work as well as a variety of thingas I might need at any time during a day away from home. A Co-worker has referred to my workbag more than once as a "Pharmacy" due to the variety of headache, sinus, stomach, & other kinds of pills I carry in it. My truck bag I tend to call my E&E bag. Cuz if I need it then my truck is out of commission & I'll obviously need to Escape & Evade to make my way home. Lemmie see if I can remember what all is in it. Cuz I've been in the hawt & humid world all day so I ain't going to go git it out & look.

    First I should mention that the contents of my E&E Bag has to withstand a variety of extreme temps of summer & winter. Sum things don't do well when inside of vehicle is 125 degrees or its 10 degrees outside! An while I've vacuum sealed most things in the bag, it is by no means full an can easily hold everything even if not vacuum sealed. Items are vacuumsealed for convenience.

    Contents *according to fuzzy memory at moment aided with alcoholic mental enhancement*
    3 pairs socks, vacuum sealed
    2 pairs underwear, vacuumsealed
    1 spare shirt, vacuum sealed
    strike anywhere matches sealed in packs of three
    Vaseline, prescription med bottle to seal best
    Ka-bar knife w/ sheath & small sharpening stone
    20' coil thin wire
    1 firestarter
    4 25' hanks 550 Para-cord, 3 different colors
    2 Mylar Space Blankets
    1 Heritage Roughrider Singleaction Revolver .22lr, vacuum sealed
    1 50rd box CCI Quiet .22lr, vacuum sealed with desiccant pack
    1 50rd box CCI Mini-mag .22lr vacuum sealed with desiccant pack
    1 quart metal canteen w/ metal cup
    25 variety flavor broth packs
    4 Ramen Noodles
    1 8'x10' grey tarp
    1 4'x6' grey tarp
    3 Contractor Grade trashbags
    umm... theres more but my bed is calling my name.......
     
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  11. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Interesting.

     
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  12. Motomom34

    Motomom34 Monkey+++

    Mylar blanket, rain poncho, socks, matches & lighter, small first aid kit, flash light, mace, compass, magnifying glass, whistle, a multipurpose silver tool thing. I have a few more things. I always make sure I leave work with water and some small food. I don't leave these things in the car because I fear they will be damaged. I am 20 miles from home. No real bad sections on the way, it would just be panicked unprepared everyday workers. Though there is a low security correctional facility near the highway, plus a jail 5 miles off highway- if they broke out of there this could cause issues.
     
  13. JABECmfg

    JABECmfg multi-useless

    I like small, lightweight food items that are high in protein and other good stuff. Beef jerky and mixed nuts are great sources of protein, are relatively lightweight and compact, and keep well - so not a lot of rotating. Might want to think about vitamins too, such as Emergen-C vitamin C supplements. They come in powder form, in small individual packets - mix with water and keep your immune system strong!

    Aside from boiling, if I may ask, what's your 2nd way to purify water?
     
  14. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    I forgot....I do have 100' of paracord and Gatorade powder mix. I was to lazy to go out to the car to get my bag so I am going from memory.

    I have water purification tabs.

    What would a third way to purify water?

    -Jason
     
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  15. JABECmfg

    JABECmfg multi-useless

    A 3rd way would be a portable filter such as a Katydyn - which could serve as a primary method, as it's faster than either boiling or waiting for tablets to work - but the general consensus seems to be that they're not to be heavily relied on, as they can be damaged. Also, they take up more space, and can get pricey.

    Alternatively, posts 7 and 8 from the following thread are both great ideas for purifying water:

    K.I.S.S.
     
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  16. Brokor

    Brokor Live Free or Cry Moderator Site Supporter+++ Founding Member

    Just some ideas to mix and match. I am only linking what I have used and can recommend. Even if you were to pick one item from each category, it would be a great start. I suppose this could also apply to the B.O.B., just remember to keep things as light as possible. For a get home bag, everything will depend on your own, unique situation, the distance needed to travel, terrain, weather, societal conditions, etc. Generally, go as light as possible and bring only what can save your life, help get you to your destination, and make more tools for you.

    WATER:
    Katadyn Hiker Pro
    Polar Pure (Good luck finding this excellent product. It appears the meth drug craze makes this hard to find. "Breaking Bad" TV strikes again.)
    Life Straw
    Platypus Wide Canteen
    Platypus Bottle
    -----------
    FOOD:
    Mountainhouse Foods
    CLIFF Bars
    -----------
    FOOD PREP:
    MSR Alpine Fry Pan
    MSR Stowaway Pot
    MSR pot handler
    Kelly Kettle (my primary unit for cooking/heating water. I recommend the "trekker(small) for individuals.)
    -----------
    COMMO:
    UV-5R
    iDEN Phone ***(see also the forum information)***
    -----------
    CLOTHING:
    Pathfinder Wool Coat
    Mountain Pants
    Danner Boots
    Wool Socks
    Frog Toggs
    Canvas Anorak (price too high currently. It was $200 a year ago. I suggest making one yourself like I am doing.)
    -----------
    BEDDING/SLEEPING:
    Halo 3 Recon Sleeping System
    DDHammock (tarps, hammocks, rucksacks, kits, etc.)
    -----------
    TOOLS (+ FIRE):
    Mora Blades (highly recommend this seller)
    Gerber Multitool
    Take-Down "Buck" Saw (any variety, or make your own)
    Lockpick Set (also the knowledge to use it responsibly)
    Cuff Key
    Trail Boss Axe
    (...Fire...)
    Numyth Fire Piston
    Make Your Own Char Cloth/Rope -Materials-
    Swedish Firesteel
    -
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 27, 2015
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  17. C.T.Horner

    C.T.Horner Monkey

    My get home bag is my fanny pack. As I work at home I rarely leave town. I do put my BOB in the trunk when I travel. One item I didn’t notice mentioned is cash. I have some cash I my BOB, and usually keep some on me at all times. You would be surprised what you can still buy from idiots when the SHTF.

    As for a get home strategy for someone who works far from home. A cheap second hand Dirt Bike 250cc has great range and can operate on difficult terrain. You could store it without gas, and have a gas can, and siphon handy. If your worried about EMP remove the ignition coil, and store it in a metal box, well grounded. Plug it in and fill the tank with gas from your stalled vehicle.
    Just a thought, CTHorner
     
  18. Pax Mentis

    Pax Mentis Philosopher King |RIP 11-4-2017

    Life straw or other portable filtering system.
     
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  19. jab73180

    jab73180 Monkey

    Yeah I'm an idiot. I was waiting for an old Indian trick to purify water.

    -Jason
     
  20. Pax Mentis

    Pax Mentis Philosopher King |RIP 11-4-2017

    And, in answer to the OP...

    This is relatively recently put together and is still a work in progress. It is contained in a 511 12 hr. pack with a couple of external pouches. Most of the time I am within about 15 miles from home (and generally within 2 miles at most of my river), though will occasionally roam with this 40 miles from home and about 10 from my river.

    2 ltr water
    Life Straw
    2 cup aluminum pan
    4 MH meals
    1lb of my own blend trail mix
    1lb my jerky
    2 cans tuna
    small bottle tabasco
    Ruger semi-auto pistol
    100rds HP .22lr
    83rds HP 9mm (33 in a Glock mag for EDC gun)*
    3 pr socks
    1pr underwear
    2 dark green t-shirts
    200’ 550 cord
    small roll of duct tape
    roll of “booby trap wire”
    mesh hammock
    Leatherman Wave
    Night Monkey machete
    nylon rainfly
    E. German survival stove with fuel
    wire saw
    small first aid kit...mostly trauma
    “Possibles” kit (small pouch with an assortment of weird crap...needle, fishing line, silver coins, pen, small notebook, some pull ties [flexi-cuff size] etc)

    *over 90% of the time that I am away from home I am close to my vehicle, in which resides a laptop case with a Glock compatible 9mm Kel-Tec Sub2000 carbine with a cleaning kit, 3 loaded 33rd mags and 2 15 rounders (as I have mentioned, running is not an option for me). The car also has a few other goodies like an old web belt with 2 canteens and a holster for my EDC, a small inflatable canoe, a tarp, 100ft of 3/8 nylon rope and an extra 800-1000 ft of 550.
     
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