As the name suggests, a get-home bag is designed to help you get back to your house in case you find yourself in a tricky situation. This situation could be a natural disaster, violent protests, or anything else that compromises the commute to your home.
A get-home bag is not a comprehensive survival bag. It’s merely a kit carrying the necessities that can help you reach your home where you’ll find more equipment.
From the description, it’s also clear that the bag is supposed to be portable and with you everywhere you go. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded in traffic with violent protests going on, yet your get-home bag is locked miles away at your house.
What Are The Benefits Of A Get Home Bag?
Get-home bags improve your chances of survival significantly. The bags usually contain all the essentials you need to survive and get out of an impossible situation. Think of it as a bug out bag ready kit since it serves an almost similar purpose as a typical bug-out bag, except it is smaller and offers more preparedness on the go. It helps you walk out of earthquakes, flooded roads, unbearable traffic, etc., and find your way home with ease. That’s why they are essential to everyone and not just survivalists.
Besides serving the primary purpose of helping you survive, these bags can also keep you comfortable through the rough walk back to your home. But of course, this depends on how you build your bag.
How To Build A Get Home Bag
There are multiple factors to consider when building a get-home bag.
Time Or Distance
Look at your day-to-day life and identify the places you visit the most. This could be your workplace, your parent’s house, etc. Once you identify these markers, get an estimate of the distance from them to your house, and the time it takes to move from these areas to your home. You can use Google maps to get better estimates of the walking distance.
With this duration and distance in mind, knowing the type and quantity of necessities required becomes easy.
Your Area
Since you are already used to this commute, you should have an idea of how the area looks. You should know the terrain, neighborhoods, and features like lakes, creeks, and rivers present in the area.
This information helps you pack the appropriate clothing, footwear, and anything else that may be useful for your survival and protection.
Your Physical Fitness
It’s time to call yourself to the table and determine how fit you are for the walk. Be realistic with yourself and identify the unique challenges you may experience if you are unfit.
Something else to consider here is physical limitations and your overall health. Do you have a bad hip or any disability that affects your mobility? Do you have any medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, hypertension, etc., that require regular medication?
What Should A Get Home Bag Contain?
Bear in mind that different people have different needs, so don’t replicate someone else’s bag. That said, several items remain consistent in almost all bags. Here is a list of some of the essentials:
Medical Kit
A first aid kit is a must-have in any survival bag. The kit should contain necessities like gauze pads, bandages, prescription medication, tourniquet, tweezers, pain killers, etc.
It’s advisable to keep only the absolute necessities in the kit to avoid weighing down your bag.
While shopping for this medical kit, it’ll also help to take a crash course on first aid.
Sneakers
An extra pair of shoes is essential. The shoes don’t have to fit in the bag. You can hang them on the side.
Foldable Knife
A knife is a versatile survival item. It’s good for protection and can help you with tasks like clearing paths, opening food sachets, etc.
Cash
Pack some cash in small bills. It’s also good to split the money and stash it in different places inside the bag.
Flashlight
You never know how long you’ll be on the road or what time you’ll need to abandon your car. Therefore, pack a lightweight LED flashlight and some spare batteries.
A Map
Having a laminated map is essential regardless of how well you think you know your city. Emergencies could force you to navigate new routes, so it’s important to have a guide.
Water
Pack a bottle of drinking water. Note that you may have to replace this bottle after some time to keep your water fresh.
Energy Bars
Surviving on an empty stomach is a huge ask. Stash portable and long-lasting food items in the bag.
Breathing Mask
You never know the type of emergency that will push you to survival mode. So, pack some N95 masks just in case you find yourself in need of protection against airborne threats.
Fire Starting Gadgets
You can carry the traditional matchsticks or a magnesium flint. A lighter is also acceptable.
A get-home bag can determine your ability to survive on the road and get back to your house safely. Their benefits are undebatable, and they are pretty affordable to build. Just look at your needs, pack the right items and make sure to check the contents from time to time. Remember to replace the food items whenever necessary.