I was told to post this here. Someone asked what everyone kept in their emergency bag. This is what’s in mine. What’s in yours?
Posted by noonecaresat805@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 58 comments
Mine has cash enough for a taxi, 2-3 nights at a motel and be able to bribe someone if I have too to make a call if for some reason I can’t use my phone. All small bills. I have a little notepad with all the phone numbers I might need if something happens my phone. It has snacks, empty foldable silicon water bottle. A menstrual cup and a period underwear. A pair of socks. Super thin dress. Charging cables and a portable battery I charge monthly. And a small taser that doubles as a flashlight. Foldable toothbrush and travel toothpaste. My bag is about the size of a fannypack that’s under a sweater. So I can grab both of them and go in an emergency. I doubt I’ll ever need it but you never know. What I did use once was when I was in a relationship that was turning abusive. I opened a secret bank account and threw as much money as I could in there. When things started getting bad I pretty much emptied it out and my regular account I had like $20 left in the end but my emergency fund was enough to pay rent and deposit at my new place and the movers. Completely worth it.
Conscious-Solid2524@reddit
Switch out the tazer with a gun and an actual flashlight
Infamous-Sherbert937@reddit
No weapons or food?
LamarWashington@reddit
Super thin dress? Is this a warmer climate issue or to keep the pack light?
Poison-Ivy-666@reddit
This is a great post, OP. When we talk about being prepared everyone naturally assumes it’s for a major disaster, civil unrest etc. Often it’s being in the terrible position of being in an abusive relationship or having abusive parents. Being prepared should also be for an ongoing or current situation, such as having a secret bank account, identifying safe places to stay/hide, having a secret phone, looking for somewhere to ‘bug out’ at extremely short notice, having a comms plan for friends/familiy to let them know where you are (or not in some cases!), etc. Thank you for sharing your sad but ultimately successful story from a woman who had a physically and mentally abusive father ❤️
boringgrill135797531@reddit
I like your kit!
I’ve got a “hospital bag” that would keep me comfortable for a few days in a hotel or hospital. It’s by the front door and clearly marked, so a friend can come grab it if I’m admitted in an emergency, and it also functions as a “house is on fire” go-bag. It’s got T-shirt and shorts, warm socks, underwear, bra, earbuds, phone cord, cash, list of medications and primary care physician for me and husband, written instructions for taking care of pets, phone numbers, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties, chewing gum, favorite snacks, hand sanitizer wipes, and n-95 masks.
It’s kept next to my day-hike backpack, which has first aid kit, pet leashes, substantial food (including peanut butter packets to keep the pets happy), water bottles, hat, gloves and space blanket, sunscreen, sunglasses, multitool.
captain_retrolicious@reddit
That's so smart! If the world holds together, the most likely thing for me is I end up in the hospital over an illness or accident and it would be great to have a pack ready for a friend to grab for me. I have a to-go bag (more for staying at a shelter) as we have natural emergencies around here occasionally but I think I'll modify it a little given your advice.
Kitty has his own little to go bag but I also always leave a huge bowl of water out in case I can't get home for a few days. They can go much longer without food than without water. Although from his attitude, it seems unbelievable.
youngwitchHazel@reddit
Given that you mention a thin dress and a pair of socks, I wonder about a small or simple pair of shoes. I recall what must've been the comment section of a video of one prepper who wore uncomfortable shoes to work or events who always kept sneakers/slip-on shoes in the car, where folks chimed in to look to under the desk or in a drawer or daily bag for safekeeping. Most Get Home or Get to Safety plans I know involve a solid amount of walking, though I suppose it depends what you're comfortable walking, say, a mile or two, in.
captain_retrolicious@reddit
I hang onto my old running shoes when they're too worn out to really be supportive for running. One pair is at work and one pair is in my car. They are still comfortable if you had to walk a few miles in them. It's just that the treads are worn down enough that it's not really good for my legs and hips to run in them (if you look at well worn shoes, you'll sometimes see that the heels worn down unevenly, etc.). Since they're obviously old, I don't worry about them getting stolen and I don't worry about a new pair getting heat damaged in the car.
I'd much rather walk in an old pair of sneakers than my dressy but not supportive work or event shoes. I also took an emergency class where they recommended this. Foot injuries are a big thing after a disaster because of broken glass and debris so a thicker shoe or even a boot is a good call. I just don't want to keep an expensive pair of boots in my car.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
Can link to some things that might be worthy to purchase on Amazon? Like the water cup?
Shoddy-Ingenuity7056@reddit
Check www.browsegear.com, that’s where I go to look for ideas on gear.
Poppins101@reddit
Very cool link. Thank you.
Shoddy-Ingenuity7056@reddit
You’re welcome, I don’t think they actually sell anything but it’s a good place for ideas.
ryamanalinda@reddit
I just keep some tampons and pads in mine. They can come in handy for other reasons besides "women" problems. So far, that is all they have used for though.
Coffee_puma@reddit
I’m confused … what are all you prepping for ? If shit hits the fan money will be worthless and i doubt the cell tower grid is gonna be up and running. Here’s my bag
Food /water, gun, bullets , cookware , first aid , light camping supplies.
mountainsformiles@reddit
What if it's not total shtf but the ATMs and banks are down due to massive computer hack? But you gotta buy groceries and the stores are open? I can think of a bunch of scenarios where some cash would be needed. It's good to plan for everyday emergencies as well as the end of everything.
CyberWarLike1984@reddit
Its more likely to have a CrowdStroke type event that takes out the ATMs than the end of the world event where money is not useful anymore
BaldyCarrotTop@reddit
I prep to get home after r/CascadianPreppers. But I tend to use the stuff in my EDC/GHB for the small problems. I have used my car phone charger and USB cables to charge kids phones (I'm a school bus driver). The small first aid kit has bandaged several skinned knees, when the payment system at the gas station was down, the cash paid for a tank of gas.
So we prep for the big stuff, but it gives us resiliency for the small stuff.
stonerbbyyyy@reddit
not everyone has a go bag for shtf as in no return, a lot of them have them for hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, etc. basically natural disasters more likely to affect lots of areas every year.
mine just happens to be all purpose with ammo, guns, clothes, food, extra chargers, meds (great when you have a migraine 2 hrs away from home), pet food (gets rotated), lights, batteries, leashes etc.. it’s really lightweight too. i can carry it for long distances.
also have random stuff like dewormer and flea and tick prevention stuff cuz it doesn’t add any weight. also have random stuff in all the vehicles and also the camper in case we have to evacuate.
Own-Marionberry-7578@reddit
SHTF could come in a hundred different forms. You never know what the conditions are going to be or what parts of your kit will be worthless or not.
BoySerere@reddit
SHTF can be as simple as as running out of gas or tire issue during a road trip, and your banks lock your cards because they think there is some fraud because someone is using your cards 100o miles from home.
noonecaresat805@reddit (OP)
An emergency. I once rented a room in a house and everything was fine until the landlord who didn’t live there came into the house drunk at like 1 am and demanded that I open the door to my room for him. When I refused he kept banging on the door threatening me that if I didn’t open he would tear the door down. It seems I wasn’t home alone and they called the cops. Because they showed up like two minutes after I called them. If I had an emergency bag and it came to worst I could have grabbed my bag and climbed out the window before he actually broke the door down and it would have given me a bit of options besides wondering the streets by myself in the middle of the night. The emergency bag is for when weird things like this happen and you have to leave your home in an emergency. Or a natural disaster or something happens and you don’t have time to prepare. Or something is happening and you just need to be prepared for the worst.
4r4nd0mninj4@reddit
Money is still very useful for all the small events that are far more likely to happen between now and total SHTF...🤷♂️
It's also useful in the few hours/days of SHTF when most people think things will get better, before they get worse.
Just a few months ago, the debit machines went down while I was in line at the grocery store. Had I a few extra 20s on me, I wouldn't have had to run to the ATM down the street and back.🤷♂️
Ok-Street4644@reddit
Since you asked… Here’s what I keep in my primary energy kit, which is my vehicle. It’s layered and duplicated almost identically in each vehicle. I’m also open to suggestions on this.
In car:
Battery booster pack Power Inverter Jumper Cables Fix a flat Tow cable Fire extinguisher Duct tape Bungee Cords Umbrella Purell wipes Air compressor Extension cord Tire gauge Backpack
In backpack, in car:
FAK for booboos to trauma, plus basic meds Rechargeable radio w/ ear piece Rechargeable Flashlight Charger pack with cables Mylar Emergency blankets x3 Wet ones Leatherman wingman Multitool Mora Eldris Fixed Blade Knife Zip ties 50’ 5.6 mm 2650 lb BattleCord ~40’ 550 cord Tp Dude wipes Nalgene water bottle Platypus foldable water bag Life Straw filter with foldable water bag and syringe Pepper Spray Mechanix fast fit gloves Big Lighter Backup glasses in hard case N95 and surgical masks Room for extra clothes and snacks
In FAK, in backpack:
4 Bayer 4 benedryl 6 advil 1 Zyrtec 1 advil sinus 3 anti diarrheal 10 bandaids 4 antiseptic wipes 3 alcohol wipes 4 antibiotic ointments 12 string relief wipes Chest seals Trauma bandage 2x compressed gauze 1x rolled gauze Tourniquet 4 gloves 1 duct tape 1 medical tape 2 tampons 1 tweezers 1 4x4 gauze Trauma sheers
Liber_Vir@reddit
vitamin pills, pep pills, sleeping pills, tranquilizer pills
LegitimateGift1792@reddit
Oddly enough, it was the prophylactics that nailed the movie quote for me and not the russian phrase book or rubles.
FindingPerfect9592@reddit
Where did you get the morphine? And why the lip sticks and stockings?
PristineMembership52@reddit
Highly recommended watching for you, Stanley Kubricks " Dr. Strangelove" also called "How Iearned to quit worrying and love 'The Bomb' ".
Euphorix126@reddit
Maybe four pairs
Butch_dog@reddit
Hmm...A fella could have himself a pretty good weekend in Vegas with all that stuff.
OkPin2109@reddit
Did you know... they originally had him saying "a good weekend in Dallas", but dubbed it over when JFK got his ticket punched.
poodlenoodle2018@reddit
I just have a gun, then I can take what I need.
skintwo@reddit
OMG. Phone numbers, written down. Now that is a bit of genius. It's so easy to forget - I think I've lost the ability to memorize phone numbers at this point, which is something for a gen-x person. I'm going to add this thanks to you, and good on you getting out of that abusive relationship, sister!!
DIRTYDOGG-1@reddit
28 years as court officer , can't tell you how many people spent 2 -3 extra days in jail till somebody found them cause inmates phone had been confiscated by police and accused person could not remember ANYBODYS phone number .
Edhin_OShea@reddit
I added one of those collapsible lady stand up to pee funnels and a perennial wash bottles with the angled nossle because you never know when t.p. will run out, usually the most inconvenient time.
OldPhilosopher1315@reddit
This is on my current list and everything fits in the 55+10l Backpack. Small extra bag for some clothes and food. Getting fast out of Berlin is first priority
-Backpack (Mckinley yukon 55+10l) -Tarp (DD 4x4m) -Sleeping Bag (Carinthia defence 1 large) -Tent (Geertop 1,5kg) -Sleeping pad (inflatable + repair kit) -Solar Panel (28W BigBlue) -Powerbank (Anker 20000mah) -First Aid / hygiene Kit -Water filter (Sawyer mini) -Rain Poncho -Entertainment (Tablet with movies /sd cards) -Knifes and sharpener (one hunting knife, one mora knife) -Flashlight (Wuben l50) and headlamp (Klarus HM1) -Slingshot (RAMbone double band by Joerg Sprave) -Fishing kit -Paracord -Scotch eye drill -Folding saw (Silky Pocketboy) -Fire steel -Hobo stove (lixada titanium) -Cooking set (pan, pot, cup) -Multitool (Victorinox Ranger 21 functions) -Radio (solar and hand crank) -mini rake and shovel -Towel tablets
OldPhilosopher1315@reddit
This is on my current list and everything fits in the 55+10l Backpack. Small extra bag for some clothes and food.
-Backpack (Mckinley yukon 55+10l) -Tarp (DD 4x4m) -Sleeping Bag (Carinthia defence 1 large) -Tent (Geertop 1,5kg) -Sleeping pad (inflatable + repair kit) -Solar Panel (28W BigBlue) -Powerbank (Anker 20000mah) -First Aid / hygiene Kit -Water filter (Sawyer mini) -Rain Poncho -Entertainment (Tablet with movies /sd cards) -Knifes and sharpener (one hunting knife, one mora knife) -Flashlight (Wuben l50) and headlamp (Klarus HM1) -Slingshot (RAMbone double band by Joerg Sprave) -Fishing kit -Paracord -Scotch eye drill -Folding saw (Silky Pocketboy) -Fire steel -Hobo stove (lixada titanium) -Cooking set (pan, pot, cup) -Multitool (Victorinox Ranger 21 functions) -Radio (solar and hand crank) -mini rake and shovel -Towel tablets
Overall_Solution_420@reddit
runs up behind you, kicks u in back of knee as you fall snatches your bag sorry sucker
Eurogal2023@reddit
Had a good test some years ago when had to go as caretaker in a hurry with a closer relative to the hospital and had no money (was along in the ambulance, also had no car.)
(This was in Europe so hospital stay was free for the patient).
I had a well packed handbag with blood sugar help (aka sweets), first aid stuff, knife, flashlight, comb, hair bands, phone numbers and sewing equipment for small repairs, but NO TOOTHBRUSH!
After the second night I discovered the lack of a toothbrush was awful, my teeth started to feel loose! So now I ALLWAYS make sure theire is a foldable (or cheapo) toothbrush and some toothpaste, (any kind is better than nothing) in my handbag.
SparrowLikeBird@reddit
I like how compact your emergency kit is.
I am between kits currently, but thinking of putting one together again soon.
Ddog78@reddit
Hey! Fancy seeing you here haha. (I was the one who asked you to post here)
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
My bug out bag can carry about 80 pounds and has a ‘brain’ that can carry 40 more.
Rradsoami@reddit
120 lbs huh?
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
Yeah
Rradsoami@reddit
How far have you hiked it?
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
Mt Mulanje Malawi
Rradsoami@reddit
Noice. Your all set.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
I bought it as a ‘25 yr pack’ in 1990. It’s patched up but lasted well beyond that much.
Rradsoami@reddit
Your navy seal status. A 70 lb pack is heavy. 120 pounder puts you up there with Dolph Lundgren.
Slowlybutshelly@reddit
New name to look up. Not a navy seal, but a rugged peace corps volunteer new:)
lustforrust@reddit
I've got several filled loyalty cards (stay so many nights get one free) for a few different hotel chains.
All the phone numbers I'd need in a emergency are on wallet sized laminated cards.
jayrdoos@reddit
I added a 6 inch carbide metal sawzall blade to mine. Small/light and with a pair of Gloves you can get through mild steel with moderate effort.
lustforrust@reddit
Get the Milwaukee folding jab saw, it uses sawzall blades.
heymerritt@reddit
Super Thin Dress … this feels like it would be the most versatile gear in the bag.
I would add bear spray.
Radiant_Lychee_7477@reddit
Can confirm.
Carried both during extended minimalist travel, comprising roughly equal backwoods and city time. The dress (opaque yet fit into less than a sandwich bag) was a workhorse, and the bear spray saw no action.
Rradsoami@reddit
Start with a full mountaineering pack. Add hunting and fishing supplies. A med kit.
Spiley_spile@reddit
Here is a general outline, linked below.
As a note, I don't carry a lot of cash at any given time, nor a fancy phone. If someone sticks a gun in my face, I'd rather stay calm, hand over the cash, and everyone lives to see another day. That's easiest to do if I'm not carrying enough cash to to ruin me if I lose it. (I'm fortunate to have friends that make this possible.)
https://www.reddit.com/r/preppers/s/UtsxaiEmOm
b18bturbo@reddit
Cash small to mid bills
Phone battery bank/coms 2 way or ham with small fold out solar panel to charge
Utility knife/multi tool, pistol or small truck gun like SBR or pistol with mags/ammo that folds up
Medical kit small
Flashlight but should everyday carry a small one or small pop up lantern that you can charge with lighter and fire starter
Water/container or have a backback with bladder, I have one in my 5.11 pack and filter
Change of clothes like socks, underwear clothes for hot or cold temps. plus shoes suitable for most environments to walk or hike in.
I usually have 2 or 3 MRE's with food warmer in it, protein bars, jerky, nuts and dried fruits and so on. can opener with canned food you'll eat and have a small minimalist pot with utensils I got for cooking/eating/ heating up water for coffee.
Small travel bag with Toothpaste/toothbrush, Deodorant, Wet wipes, Shaving stuff, Soap/shampoo, lotion and sunscreen with bug repellant. Women might want to add tampons and so on. Maybe condoms and whatever you never know
Have a small Tent in a bag which works great and isn't heavy with a light blanket with small pillow
Book/games something to pass the time like cards but also having material or information you might need like survival books or wilderness stufff alot of free information on the internet you can print out.
I'm missing some items but a good way to really figure out what you need is to try going camping/hunting from time to time and see what things you might want or need when passing time out there. Depends on how long you plan on being on your own or with people and the elements like City or Rural area's but weight is a big factor being a minimalist will pay greatly.
dachjaw@reddit
I’ve always thought that financial preparedness is the most likely prep one would actually use. I’m glad you were prepared.