Get Home Bag Essentials
Must have items to include in your G.H.B (Get Home Bag), plus more.
Grid down
It seems disaster never sleeps, and it may very well show up in our own front yard within a split second. War, Solar flares, EMPs, Nuclear weapons, Natural disasters and many other scenarios can cause the grid to go down causing mass civil unrest, riots or scarcity of resources. This is why having an G.H.B is so important to the survival of these situations.
What is a G.H.B?
When tragedy strikes, it is important to be well prepared. The last thing anyone wants to happen is to be under prepared and trapped in a dangerous situation with no back up plan. An G.H.B is great for when you are away from your bug out bag or main emergency supplies, because they are typically lightweight and small; which means it is easy to carry allowing you to be quick on your feet without the unnecessary slow down. An G.H.B is a great pick to help you find your way back to your desired destination safely. Continue reading to learn more about what building an G.H.B entails and great items to include.
Building your G.H.B
An G.H.B may very well save your life, but it won't do you any good if it is too heavy. You would not want to be on the other side of town having to carry a bag that weighs 80 pounds, so keep it light and only include the necessities. Usually, when building an G.H.B, it is a good idea to shoot for around three days of gear and supplies. They are only meant for getting you to your destination where you hopefully have a solid back up plan, or maybe even to a shelter. Let's look at a great G.H.B that is lightweight with plenty of space for most situations.
REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack 3 Day Assault Bag
Weighing in at just under three pounds, this 40L military style backpack would be a perfect pick for a get home bag. Featuring multiple outside pockets with heavy duty zippers, sufficient room inside for your gear and food supplies, water resistance and a pocket for a hydration bladder, this will undoubtedly serve you well when disaster hits.
Supplies for your G.H.B
Understanding which gear is better for you to carry is important as you have limited space. Since you likely will not know what situation you will find yourself in, you will have to prepare with general supplies, so we have included the most necessary items to add to your get home bag, including knives, batteries, flashlights plus more.
299 Piece All Purpose Kit Emergency Kit
A first aid kit has to be the most important item on this list, because if you are a long way away from any assistance or supplies and you suffer a wound, it is crucial to clean the wound to prevent infection, which is the last thing you need in a grid down scenario. This kit includes nearly every item you would need, perfect for most wounds you may suffer during an emergency situation. This kit includes 299 pieces, and has a small footprint so it will fit nicely inside of a backpack.
SOG Fixed Blade Knives with Sheath - SEAL Pup Tactical Knife
Proven in strength and reliability, this SOG fixed blade knife will handle any situation you throw at it. Featuring a 4.75 inch stainless hardened blade that is powder coated, and partially serrated. The handle is made of glass reinforced nylon, leaving you with an overall resilient knife. This knife also includes a sheath so you can have it easily accessible right on your hip.
20,000MaH Battery Solar Bank
Although in a grid down scenario you may lose cellular service, while the grid is up it is important to keep in contact with your loved ones. This battery bank will keep your smartphone charged, allowing you to communicate with others. This battery bank can be charged by the sun using the solar panel located on the side of the device. This battery bank also includes a flashlight, which is very important to have especially if you find yourself in an emergency situation during night time. This bank features a 20,000MaH battery, which will charge the average smartphone battery around seven times and give you many hours of flashlight usage before needing to recharge.
Zippo Typhoon Matches and Match Kit
Matches are a very useful tool. You may find yourself in a scenario where it is very cold, or even snowing. Lighting a fire will help keep you warm, not to mention you would have the option to cook over the fire if needed. These matches are also waterproof, so even if it is raining or snowing, you will still have the option to start a fire.
Survival General Lightweight Rain Gear Poncho
The last thing you want in a disaster is to get soaking wet. This will slow you down and possibly cause the contents of your pockets to get ruined. This poncho will keep you dry and double as a blanket if you find yourself needing some rest before you continue moving forward to your destination. This poncho also folds up into a very small and compact size making it a great fit inside of your G.H.B.
Paracord Bracelet
Having a paracord bracelet is essential to any G.H.B. This bracelet unravels allowing you to take advantage of twelve feet of paracord, which is very useful for building shelter. It also includes a compass so you do not get lost, plus it features an emergency knife, loud whistle and a flint steel allowing you to start a fire assuming you have used all of your matches.
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Without water, survival is low. This water bottle features a two stage built-in water filter, which filters out 99.9% of bacteria including parasites, chemicals, oils, dirt and many other toxins. And with the ability to filter 1,000 gallons of water, it will undoubtedly ensure that you will have clean drinking water no matter your situation.
Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (4-Pack)
Sometimes you may not be in a position where starting a fire is possible, or maybe you just need the extra warmth. Thermal blankets are made of an extremely thin material keeping them lightweight and allowing you to stay warm by retaining up to 90% of your body heat. They can also double as an overhead shelter from rain or snow, keeping you dry.
Mainstay Emergency Food Rations
Surviving a disaster on an empty stomach is not a situation you want to find yourself in. While not a ribeye steak, this ration will be sufficient enough to keep you going with energy. This ration includes nearly all of the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs, especially during disastrous situations. Each ration (nine total) has a total of 400 calories, coming in with a grand total of 3600 calories. It has a five year shelf life and it is kosher and halal certified.
Honorable Mentions
Cash
It is always a good idea to keep cash readily available in your G.H.B bag due to the possibility of a grid down scenario where credit card machines will not work. This will allow you to purchase anything you need assuming civil unrest is at a minimal.
Ham Radio
Ham Radios require a license to operate, however under emergency situations they do not. Ham Radios are used by emergency personnel so you will be able to stay informed about the current situation, and maybe gather more information than with an AM radio.
Map
Though your smartphone has a map, you may not always be able to use it, especially if your area has been struck by an EMP. A regular old school paper map will help you find your way, especially if you are in an unknown area. Satellite maps would be best so you can view the terrain.
Free For All
Usually, G.H.B bags are kept inside of a vehicle or work building where it is in close proximity. It may not come to mind immediately, but G.H.B bags are a last resort, grid down scenario option. They are used when cars do not work, the power has shut off, water is scarce or polluted or food is in short supply and you need to get to a destination safely. In this scenario there very well may be civil unrest. I don't think I need to explain what this is, but stay sharp and do not take any foes; a person may seem friendly, but in a grid down scenario it is a free for all, so grab your bag and start heading to your destination as stealthily as you can to avoid altercations or even riots.
~GW
For more Get Home Bag specifics see our article on My Ultimate Get Home Bag / Bug out Bag / Lightweight day pack: https://www.lifeprepper.net/post/my-ultimate-15lb-get-home-bag-bug-out-bag-lightweight-day-pack
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