A “get-home-bag” (GHB) is designed to help you safely return home or reach a safe location during an emergency, but It’s not just for getting home, but rather for meeting a need when you need it. There are a lot of applications while you are away from home. The contents can vary based on personal needs, local conditions, and the distance you typically travel from home.
Here are some general items that you may want to include in your get-home-bag.
Water and Hydration
Hydration is crucial, especially in stressful situations
Include a water bottle and water purification tablets or a portable water filter.
A single walled stainless water bottle can be used to boil water or make instant meals.
DO NOT use an insulated container – it will burst under the pressure.
You can clip the water bottle to the bag with carabineer, keep it inside your bag, or carry it in an outside pocket filled with water
Non-perishable food
Pack high-energy, items like energy bars, trail mix, or MREs
Avoid chocolate in bars and trail mix.
It becomes a sticky blob.
Packs of crackers, cookies, or chips can be comforting as well.
First Aid Kit
More than a boo boo kit
Include various sized bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, pain relievers, Imodium, antacid, and any necessary prescription medications.
Shelter and Warmth
Several lightweight emergency blankets,
A “woobie" – poncho liner can be used as a blanket or to make a sleeping bag.
A small tarp can be used as a shelter or ground cover, even as a blanket.
A large garbage bag can be made into a shelter, rain cover, or makeshift “mattress.”
Hand warmers and toe warmers can be useful in cold climates.
Light
A reliable flashlight
Headlamp
Extra batteries
Communication Tools
A fully charged power bank to recharge your phone
A small AM/FM radio
Some ham radios will receive AF/FM radio, and are particularly useful in emergency situations, but you MUST know how
to operate it BEFORE the time of need.
A whistle and or signaling mirror can be useful.
Navigation Tools
A compass and physical maps of your local area routes you normally travel, as well as keeping maps for your long distance travels.
Knife
A full tang, fixed blade, is the most durable.
A folding knife is usually smaller, and good for opening packages, peeling fruit, and small projects.
Multipurpose Items
A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife, with pliers, can opener, awl, screwdrivers, file, knife, etc provides for many uses.
A small roll of duct tape, and a length of paracord are among some of the multipurpose items.
Fire making gear
Butane lighters
Matches
Ferro rod
Tinder
Personal Protection
Depending on your laws and personal comfort,
Pepper spray
A personal alarm
Compact firearm
Hiking stick
Personal Documents and Cash
Keep a copy of important documents like your ID, passport, and medical information. Also, include a small amount of cash and coins.
You must protect from theft if your personal information or a firearm are stored in your bag
Hygiene Items
Travel-sized toiletries,
Wet wipes,
Roll of toilet paper
Remove center roll, collapse, place in a Ziploc bag, or even vacuum seal the roll in a meal saver.
Referenced in this podcast episode:
"Twenty Four Uses For Paracord", Episode # 400
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