Get Home and Bug Out Bags Checklist by Mark Poole

Get Home Bag

A Get Home Bag is an emergency bag meant to get you home from school or work in the event that usual transportation is not available. A natural disaster, such as a major earthquake or storm that closes roads might require you to walk several miles to your house or apartment. A Get Home Bag is not one-size-fits-all. At a minimum it should help provide you with water, food/snacks, a change of clothing and a first aid kit. You should also consider having items that make it more comfortable to sleep if you wind up on a floor somewhere for a night or two.

The type and size of the bag is a personal choice. It should fit the items you select and not be oversized. A small to regular sized school backpack is a good choice; one that is sturdy, relatively waterproof, and comfortable. Avoid bright colors or camo/military prints as they might draw unnecessary attention.

Below is a list of items you should consider having in your Get Home Bag. The average person can walk 20-30 miles a day. If you are less than 10 miles away from your destination, you might only need a few of the items on the list. You may require additional items if your distance exceed 50 miles. Also keep in mind the terrain you’ll be traveling over. Don’t forget to adjust the contents of bag based on seasonal weather and location changes.

Water

Drinking Water (1-2 Liters)
Water Filters (i.e., LifeStraw)
Water Purification Tablets (Qty 3)

Clothing

Change of clothes: something that is safe and comfortable to walk in. Poly is better than cotton. Zip off pants are also great.

Walking or hiking shoes
Long socks (Qty 2)
Work or Tactical Style Gloves
Hoodie or Fleece Jacket
Fleece Cap or Brimmed Hat
Shemagh
Face Gator
Sunglasses

Food

High energy, low moisture and zero prep (granola, jerky, packets of tuna, crackers, etc.)
Dried Fruit
Candy (Hard Tack)
(Rotate often; unless it is freeze-dried, it will be gross in a year)

Weather Protection / Shelter

Rain Poncho
Solar Blanket
6’ X 8’ Poly Tarp
Paracord 50’
Emergency Mylar Sleeping Bag

Personal Protection

Pepper Spray
Preferred Choice of Handgun plus ammo (your daily carry counts)
Survival Knife

Light and Fire

Road Flare (Qty 1)
Bic Lighter
Waterproof Matches
Firestarter Packet
Glow Stick
Small Tactical Flashlight (w/extra batteries)
Emergency Candles (Qty 2)

First Aid / Hygiene

Small First Aid Kit
Travel Advil or Tylenol packs
RX Pills (if necessary; 1-2 days worth)
Toilet Paper
Wipes/hand sanitizer
Sunscreen
Insect Repellant
Dental Floss

Miscellaneous

Small Pocket Knife
Dust Mask or N95
Compass
Duct Tape (small roll)
Emergency Signal Mirror
Multitool
Extra Cash
Mini Crank Emergency Radio
Small Note Pad and Pencil

Additional Websites:

www.bugoutbagbuilder.com

www.tactical.com/get-home-bag/

www.thearmorylife.com/building-your-24-hour-get-home-bag/

https://www.rugged-man.com/mens-lifestyle-blog/get-home-bag

Contact Information

Mark Poole markpoole@planetmail.com

Bug Out Bag

Depending on the situation you find yourself in, leaving your home in an emergency or bugging out is probably your last option. Everything you need (food, shelter, tools) is located at home. “Bugging In” is almost always better than “Bugging Out”. But if your survival depends on leaving your home in a hurry (flood, fire, approaching zombie hoard), then having a well-constructed Bug Out Bag is a must.

The bulk of your bag’s space is taken up by clothes, a sleeping bag, and food. A suitcase or a plastic storage tote will work, but a large camping backpack might be a better option. If necessary you can combine your Get Home bag together with additional items to make a last minute Bug Out Bag, but ideally, it is better to have both ready to go.