Never underestimate the importance of a Get Home Bag (GHB). We all have our Bug Out Bags and keep them ready to go at a moment’s notice, but what about creating the best Get Home Bag possible?
Get Home Bag vs Bug Out Bag
Lots of people know about Bug Out Bags but there’s less certainty about what essentials you’d find in a Get Home Bag.
Basically, a bug out bag is more of a solid backpack (weighing up to 40 pounds) which is designed to help you survive in the event that you have to abandon your home or are caught in an emergency.
A Get Home Bag often weighs half of this and is simply designed to get you home in an emergency. This means it is packed with what you’ll need for a number of hours rather than days.
Creating Your Own Get Home Bag
Due to the fact it’s likely to be fairly compact, you can easily keep your Get Home Bag in your trunk or under your desk.
The first thing you’ll want to think about is the best backpack you can use for your Get Home Bag. Here are some good options:
1.Wolf Warrior XMen Backpack
Super-sleek but also spacious, this backpack expands from 39L to 64L in the main compartment.
It has 4 main compartments so you can organize your Get Home Bag into specific sections. There’s also an adjustable chest belt for extra comfort.
2. Reebow Gear Tactical Sling Bag
Ideal for carrying your essentials, this sling bag can be a brilliant, compact option for your Get Home Bag.
There’s a large velcro pad in the hidden main compartment and you’ll easily fit your key items in here when you’re on the go.
3. SOG Ninja Tactical Daypack Back Pack
This is a really comfortable backpack you can use day to day or store up as your Get Home Bag for when you need it most. It’s water repellent and has a clever modular design with a spacious main compartment.
You can attach extra accessories onto the backpack using the MOLLE webbing and there’s also the option to add a hydration bladder.
Products Mentioned:
Get Home Bag Contents: What to Pack
You’ll want to make sure that all your Get Home Bag contents are in good working order as you pack them in to your backpack – these essentials really could come in handy to get you home safely.
Here are some of our essential items but you can also personalize your Get Home Bag to your requirements so feel free to add anything or omit things you don’t need.
1. Hiking Boots
Invest in a good pair of hiking boots and make sure you get used to wearing them to minimize the chance of blisters.
Keep a good pair of walking-specific hiking socks with your walking boots in your Get Home Bag in case you do get blisters or if temperatures drop.
2. Water
Did you know that the average male needs to drink a minimum of 3 liters every day? That will increase when you’re exercising or walking and if you don’t meet these requirements, you could become dehydrated.
Keeping sachets of emergency drinking water in your Get Home Bag can help to keep you hydrated and enable you to function for much longer periods of time.
3. Food
Carrying some sealed, high-calorie food in your Get Home Bag could help to fuel you if you end up having to walk long distances unexpectedly.
Try to pack high-energy meal replacement bars as well as high-protein snacks such as Beef Jerky which you can eat little and often to avoid feeling sluggish.
4. First Aid Kit
You should get the best mini First Aid kit that you can afford. A compact option like this is an essential item for any urban get home bag list.
If you need to add extras of anything you can do so (items such as extra blister plasters could be useful) but the basics will be there and you can simply put it in your backpack. Make sure you also pack any of your own medication that you’ll need if you take daily.
5. Basic Navigation Equipment
Hand held GPS can be an excellent way to navigate, but make sure you have a map of your surrounding area as well in case you need it as a backup.
A map can also be good if your GPS won’t be aware of a danger (such as a person) that you are trying to avoid or out run. If you’re using a map, you’ll want to make sure you also have a compass packed amongst your essentials.
If you’re using your Get Home Bag at night, you’ll want to make sure you can find your way easily.
Essentials for your Get Home Bag should include an LED head torch as well as a strong flashlight. Go for a flashlight with the highest lumens you can find – you’ll be grateful for this when walking in the dark!
6. Fire starting Supplies
If you do end up having to spend the night or parts of the day outdoors, it’s essential that you keep warm.
Waterproof matches don’t take up much space but they can be a real life saver when you find them in your Get Home Bag. Using these with some material for kindling, you’ll be able to cook for yourself and keep warm in cold temperatures.
You may want to pack a fixed blade knife to cut branches or create kindling as well. Choose a durable option such as a Gerber Knife which is high quality and reliable.
7. Clothing and shelter options
You need to balance the amount of space you have with packing clothes that you might need. Try to think creatively – a fold up rain poncho can be used as a tarp for a shelter in extreme circumstances.
A hat and gloves can also be really useful to keep you from losing essential body heat if you do spend a night outdoors.
Get Home Safely
So few people have a Get Home Bag and they’ll always regret it if they find themselves in a situation where they really do need it. It doesn’t take much time, effort or money to get one organized so go ahead and do it as soon as possible.
Make sure you personalize your bag to your individual needs but use our guide as a basis for the key Get Home Bag contents.
