Small get home bag
Posted by vaccant__Lot666@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 57 comments
How do you all make a small good home bag and not Get carried away with everything you should have in it... What do you all put in your small get home bag...
jayprov@reddit
What you think of as a Get Home Bag, I consider my Unexpected Overnight Bag.
I work 25 miles from home. In the 32 years that I have made the commute, I’ve been stuck at work overnight six times that I can recall. Three were snow/ice, one was a lockdown due to a toxic waste spill, one was due to car trouble, and one was due to illness.
Additionally, more than 10 times I’ve had to spend the night in the hospital unexpectedly—all attending to family members’ admissions.
Then there are the times that an evening has gone too late, and a friend has invited me to crash on their couch.
These instances are what my car bag is for. I have an old soft-sided suitcase with a complete change of clothes plus shoes and jacket. There is a Klymit inflatable mattress for sleeping on my office floor. I have a towel and washcloth. There are toiletries, charging cords, and a deck of cards. There’s a cheap backpack in case I have to go overland.
I also keep a few survival-type items in my bag, such as an emergency bivvy, tent stakes, a multi tool, and some paracord. By and large, I’m not preparing to walk home. I’m preparing to stay someplace other than home for a night.
shutterblink1@reddit
My mother and husband are in the hospital at least twice a month each. I keep a bag with snacks, sweater, phone cord, charger, cash, crystal light drink mix, 1 days worth of meds, extra phone, and socks. I grab my purse, drink, phone, and bag and I'm out the door. I live less than 10 minutes from the hospital. Last night my mother was taken by ambulance at midnight. Last Sunday my husband was there. Husband was there 3 days 2 weeks ago and on and on.
reddog323@reddit
I’ve been there. I had a backpack loaded up with similar materials when my dad was a frequent flyer at the local hospital with his cardiac problems. A quick stop at the gas station along the way for some snacks and drinks, and I was all set.
shutterblink1@reddit
It's a huge pain isn't it? I don't stay at the hospital too much anymore. It drives me crazy being stuck there watching them sleep, waiting on tests, or waiting on them for their every need. I feel like I'm going to explode.
jayprov@reddit
I understand. I’ve been down this road. I hope your mother is doing well today.
vba7@reddit
Any chance to store a bicycle at work?
Or maybe one of those foldable bicycles in your car? (on a side note: how much does it cost to move this stuff every time you drive a car - probably negligible)
hunta666@reddit
100% my way of looking at things. It's a hunker down till things blow over type of scenario I would consider, too. Overnight family emergencies are the most common uses really vs a full on SHTF. The difference between a really bad day and it becoming a minor inconvenience.
AdvisorLong9424@reddit
I work 25 miles from home, overland (walking the train tracks) it's probably 17 miles. If I can't make that with my EDC stuff on me I've failed at prepping. I'm already dressed according to the weather since I'm outside about ¼ of the day, Checkbook, can of chew, knife, flashlight, gun. Grab a couple bottles of water and I'm good.
TheCarcissist@reddit
For me, I generally have a pretty robust EDC so really just keep extra clothes and a few things in my cars.
WrenchMonkey47@reddit
Figure out how far away from home you are. Figure out how long it would take for you to walk home. Add extra time. Then figure out what you would need to make it home. At a minimum, water, food, extra socks, comfortable but sturdy athletic footwear. If the distance home suggests more than a day, then add in shelter, temperature specific clothing/bedding, additional food and water and a way to cook it if needs be. A good survival knife is always handy as is a decent flashlight. 550 cord and/or duct tape. A lighter and/or strike anywhere matches. A paper map and compass. A hat that keeps the sun off your head and/or keeps you warm. Extra cash. I carry 1 ounce silver bars, as they always have value and are spendable.
Carry only what you will need, but don't overdo it. Then practice carrying your kit over distance. All the best gear in the world won't help you if you can't carry it.
Dangerous-Print9791@reddit
Water bottle, roll of quarters, large black trash bag, pair of socks, tee shirt, 2 energy bars. Bag,socks and tee shirt in a vacuum sealed bag. I walked the 14 miles home to see what I needed. Sock change halfway would have been nice, sweaty shirt change would have been nice. Energy bars because emergencies never come when your belly is full. Quarters for vending machines I spotted in several locations. Trash bag can be a poncho, camouflage, or filled with air to cross the waterway. All in a sling bag that still has room for whatever I can grab while heading out the door or along the way. Weighs 2 pounds without the water bottle full.
RNcoffee54@reddit
My sister had to evacuate her building and walk home on 9/11. She keeps a separate string backpack by her desk with shoes, socks, a waterproof jacket that rolls into its pocket, a one liter bottle of water, an N94, and room for her purse. That’s all she needed to get home, so that’s all she keeps there. I do, as well.
AverageIowan@reddit
I’m a hangry guy so I’d add a power bar or protein bar of some sort but that’s pretty close to what I have, too. Keep it in my laptop bag. I have some nuts, a multi tool, and a charged up power bank (charge it all the time because I need it sometimes).
In winters this is greatly expanded but kept in my car because it’s too much for a pack.
OutWestTexas@reddit
I would include some cash.
Particular-Try5584@reddit
I assume that’s in her purse ;)
Organic_Sense8105@reddit
I have 2 bags in my car. One with an extra set of durable, warm clothes and a good pair of shoes. Then a get-home-bag. 1l of water, 1 day of food, 1 knife, small medical supply, 1 Tarp, Some stuff to make a fire, 1 waterfilter and some other small handy stuff. I try stay below 10kg’s.
Hope this helps.
Imagirl48@reddit
I keep a backpack and a bin in my car at all times. They are filled with pretty much everything noted on most lists for a bug out bag as I frequently travel on impulse. I doubt I could carry the backpack at its current weight for long but plan to discard based on the scenario I find myself in. Preparing for the worst scenario I might find myself in gives me peace of mind. I go through it seasonally to update food and clothing. Additionally, I have a prepared list of things to grab if I’m forced to leave home quickly. Important papers, passport, etc. Thinking this out while you’re in a hurry is not effective.
This-Satisfaction-71@reddit
I could be 3 days or more of hiking to get home from work, or if I'm running errands further out. So a full backpack of all the camping gear, water purifiying method, some MREs and some backpacking meals. Don't forget caffeine pills/gummies if you drink coffee or tea regularly--don't want those headaches, and you may not be in a position to build a fire to make instant coffee. I also have a spare set of clothes and shoes. Lots of other stuff. I can always choose to leave behind anything that I may not need if I am lucky enough to be caught closer to home.
vlad1492@reddit
In a pinch instant works with cold water.
The trick is to put just about 1/3rd of the usual water in, then add powder, shake/stir to dissolve everything, then dilute to taste.
Tellurine@reddit
Three days? Sounds like you might benefit from stashing an old bicycle at work.
This-Satisfaction-71@reddit
There are 2 rivers between me and home. I've tried to think of where I could store one so I could ride it after I cross the first river, but storage units are expensive, and most people don't have extra space to let someone stash a bike.
Tellurine@reddit
Obviously I don't know your situation at all. Around here there are plenty of bushes or woods to stash a bike.
This-Satisfaction-71@reddit
Yeah just solid city here with plenty of opportunistic fentanyl addicts who would take a bike straight to their swap shops
Whyis_skyblue_007@reddit
Or e-bike?
IGetNakedAtParties@reddit
Layers
By fixing the size of each layer to practicalities you control for size and weight, this also adds convenience and redundancy.
lighter
24h bag (airline under-seat dimensions)
First aid & hygiene (FAK, wet wipes, tissues)
72h bag (airline overhead dimensions) backpack with comfortable harness for walking long distance, keep space for the 24h bag inside.
HuskerYT@reddit
I'm pondering the same thing. I want a small GHB for my car, in case it breaks down or I have to abandon it and walk home.
To survive 48-72 hours the most important thing is probably access to water and warmth, in case you're in a cold place. Staying dry is also important as you will get cold if you are wet. Having some way to navigate could be useful as well, if you are a bit further away from home.
Personally I have to take into account winter when temperatures go below freezing in terms of acquiring water.
So I might include the following:
ProbablyABore@reddit
Just ask yourself 'what do I really need to get home?' Most people aren't going to need fire starting material, shelter, water filtration, etc just to get home. Need some water, a little food, a change of clothes with good shoes, a pistol, maybe a poncho, small first aid kit, and some cash. That's getting most people home.
Me personally, I drive a truck, so I carry what could be considered a full bug out bag, because I could very well be huffing it a few hundred miles to get back home.
JStapes42@reddit
It’s dependent on how far you need to travel. My work office is 10 miles away from my home, so it would take me a few hours to walk home. That means I don’t need shelter, or a way to make fire, or anything big like that. Water, some food like trail mix, extra clothes in case it rains, a few tools like a saw/hatchet/shovel, etc.
Your bag should have enough in it to get you home, and that’s it. If you can walk home in a few hours, then you don’t need much. If it’ll take you a day + to walk, then you have to factor shelter, fire, and other things.
saxmaster98@reddit
I would ditch the extra clothes for a poncho + water proof pants to save on bulk personally. I’d rather be dry than walking soggy.
JStapes42@reddit
I do have a really good rain jacket I use pretty consistently, I just don’t normally keep it in my bag. Waterproof pants are also on my prep list to buy!
saxmaster98@reddit
I would say spend the time to find some that fit you well. I bought some cheap frog tog ones from Walmart and they ripped the crotch out walking up stairs the first time I put them on
JStapes42@reddit
Oof not fun at all. I definitely plan on investing in something high quality but affordable too. I like viktos and vertx pants, so if they have some good waterproof options I may go with them
JamesSmith1200@reddit
Really depends on location. I’m in SoCal and rain is rarely happening.
saxmaster98@reddit
I’ll still take the poncho to string up some shade, use as a makeshift hammock for a seat, etc. A 10 mile walk in SHTF will take most people all day at least and most people in this sub, let along generally, can’t walk 10 miles straight. Sure it may rarely rain, but the chance of me making use of a poncho vs a single change of clothes is significantly higher. Not even counting the weight savings. 6oz for a tshirt, 10oz for shorts or 16oz for jeans, 3 oz for socks would be 1.5lbs you may not need. My poncho is 9oz and less than half the volume of a change of clothes. If I’m carrying things around on a “maybe”, I’m going to want it to be as light and as compact as possible. I’m in the southeast US and you know your climate better than I do, but the poncho is the superior choice here in nearly all categories.
spleencheesemonkey@reddit
Poncho is a good shout. Can double up as a shelter too.
GigabitISDN@reddit
I keep it to the basics: what do I need -- not want, but need -- in order to get home? If I had to spend the night in my car, what would I need in a bad winter storm? Around here, that means wool socks & hat, balaclava, thermal underwear, heavy gloves, heavy parka, clear sunglasses (ever walked through a snowstorm at night?), two flashlights, 3 sets of batteries, hand sanitizer, toilet paper in a ziploc, a paperback book, a paper map of the state, and some basic OTC meds. I also have a military-style wool blanket folded up in my storage area.
Add 1 liter of water and an emergency ration bar, and my odds are pretty good. Around here I'd likely only have to walk < 10 miles to reach the next truck stop, convenience store, hospital, 24-hour Wal-Mart, or other well-traveled area. While that's not perfect, it will most likely be a shelter from the storm.
Some people make the mistake of thinking they're going to live out of their get-home bag through WW3 (see the most recent thread). That's just not realistic. Wherever you're going, odds are good that you'll find support along the way. And if you don't, then either you've launched a poorly-planned drive through a desert or we're in it so deep that no bugout bag will help.
Potato_Specialist_85@reddit
I have an in town ghb. This has water and warm/cool clothes and a pair of shoes and socks, as well as cash and a charger for my phone, and some grocery bags to carry what I may not have room for.
I have a longer range ghb that has bigger essentials that I may need for a longer trip. I have a bug out bag for when that trip may last longer and access to public services may be restricted.
Build redundant solutions in growing layers, and you will be ready with the appropriate response for the situation.
Usetheforce50@reddit
I work 40 miles from home. Live in Michigan so i change the clothes in it for the seasons. I pass several water sources so i don't have to carry a lot of that. Just purifiers. I have protien bars, first aid kit. Stuff for overnight and fire starting if needed. Knife of course and self protection. Basic backpack that's not tactical looking.
kaydeetee86@reddit
Run through the scenario in your head. What would it look like if you had to get home in an emergency?
I’ve set myself up pretty well with my profession and job location. This was on purpose. My biggest prep was planning all of it. I didn’t luck out. I thought it through.
Realistically for me, it would probably involve hopping in my car and making my four mile commute home. If I can’t use my own car… I work at a car dealership lol. For a brand that focuses on practical SUVs with off road capability.
If I had to walk, I would be looking at a maximum of three hours, and that’s only if I have to take some weird back way. Otherwise, it would be under two. This is accounting for my current fitness level, which is something I’m working on, and a bad ankle.
I already wear comfortable weather-appropriate clothes to work, because I’m my feet and alternate between being inside and outside. I don’t even own uncomfortable clothing, especially shoes. (Fuck being uncomfortable. I refuse.)
I’m not doing much more than grabbing my purse/EDC, filling up my water bottle, and maybe getting a snack out of my desk or the customer lounge. Anything else is overkill. I’d be actually be taking items out of my purse to save weight.
My bigger concern would be an unexpected overnight stay. I have everything that I need to freshen up in my gym bag. I keep an emergency change of clothes in my car for situations like the Green Smoothie Incident of 2018.
Sure, I could make a big Mountain Man bag with enough supplies to sustain me for three days. But it would be a waste of time, money, and space.
Dorzack@reddit
I keep a variety of supplies in my vehicles and a folded down bag as well. I don’t prepare the bag. I would choose what I needed amongst food, sleeping bag, tools(including weapons), small stove, walking shoes, etc. based on the scenario. I
Reach_304@reddit
I checked my pack now & i’ve got a SOG seal pup knife, water bladder , North American Rescue med kit, Gerber multitool , beef jerky , Viktos gloves clipped on with a Purple Haze carabiner, black beard fire starter kit, ziplock gallon bag with cold weather gloves, beanie & alpaca wool socks, & back up dry socks , half a box of HST 147 grain 9mm , snowflake 20 in 1 multitool , emergency 12 hr+ glowstick , Rand McNally EZ-fold map of my town , Commando wipes , Emergency mylar thermal blanket, no-name Flashlight , another mylar thermal blanket, first aid bag , ANOTHER full box of freedom munitions X-DEF 147 grain , chest seals , & that all fits into a Cannae fold up pack :)
demedlar@reddit
First I make my get home bag, and then I walk with it. The memory of walking ten miles with a 40 lb bag is strong motivation to leave out unnecessary weight 😆
JamesSmith1200@reddit
Most people’s GHB will vary depending on: - Distance needed to cover in order to get home - Terrain needed to cover (mounts vs. flat - Rural vs. Urban) - Local climate & season (Pacific north west / East coast rainy season Vs. South West Hot / Dry) - Fitness level (Out of shape and low stamina Vs. Good shape and Stamina) - What you wear to work every day (Jeans & T-shirt Vs. Suit and dress shoes) *This also assumes you are not able to get back to your vehicle to get anything and you have to leave immediately
I’m in SoCal so it’s often very hot and dry. Once in a while there are downpours in the “winter”. My bag GHB is the over the shoulder computer bag I need to bring to work with me everyday.
A note on clothing If you have to dress up in a suit and dress shoes or similar it’s a good idea to keep a small bag with the following: - comfortable walking shoes / boots - Comfortable socks - Comfortable pants or shorts to change into (i prefer convertible pants so I can zip off the bottom if i need shorts) - Comfortable T-shirt - Hoody or warm jacket - Long sleeve sun shirt / hoody (protects you from the sun which is a must where i am if you’re going to be exposed to the sun for long periods of time and its easier than constantly apply sunscreen and carrying sunscreen) - Sun hat and/or warm hat - Sun gloves and/or warm gloves *Some of this will depends on you local climate
You bring this bag of clothes to the office and leave it there. No need to bring it back and forth everyday. It’s there if you need it and you can grab it and changes clothes before leaving so you’re not walking miles in uncomfortable shoes and clothes. Keeping the feet in good shape is important.
It sounds like a lot but most of it is very small and light and easy to carry. No one has any clue that these things are in my computer bag. If I want to travel light I just leave the computer behind.
On top of that I also have my EDC - what I keep on my personal at all times each and every day regardless of where I’m going - Phone - Keys - Pocket knife - Pepper Spay - Fresnel lens in my small card holder (wallet) - Cash $100 or so - Kerchief in the back pocket (small bandana)
I also carry a water bottle with me everywhere. Your water needs will vary depending on local climate and terrain etc.
I also have a duplicate of my GHB at home in my car along with my VEDC. I won’t list what’s kept in my car. It’s basically a full backpacking kit since I go backpacking a lot. Hope this helps.
saintsfan214@reddit
(1)Depends on the quality of the bag that you want to use as well as can it stand being machine washed. (2)Depends on how much weight the bag can support as a prep bag. (3)Depends on how easy you can get to your prep bag. (4)Depends on how much time you’re getting for the “Oh shit” moment such as WW3 or zombie apocalypse being real.
Medium_Frosting5633@reddit
First, check out your route and alternate routes (routes avoiding main highways or bridges or housing areas - good to have several options), are there any places that you could likely shelter safely if needed overnight -even if it’s only a few hours walk if you are injured you might need temporary shelter, where might you be able to get water, etc. Do you have close friends along one or more routes etc. once you have that plan, then you know better what might be needed.
Remember a get home bag could be for a variety of different circumstances. Plenty of good suggestions from others here.
kkinnison@reddit
Think of what you need for 24 hours and the expected climate. you are not doing an artic expedition. Just getting home. You shouldn't need to cook, might not even need to make a shelter and overnight. Nor are you trying to avoid roving armed gangs that are looting.
KISS = keep it simple stu- Stud
Spirited-Egg-2683@reddit
I survived the 2020 Oregon wildfires and was at points stuck in my vehicle (traffic exiting the town) as the fires were coming towards me. I learned quite a lot that day and now am much more prepared.
I keep get home kits in all my vehicles. The kit includes basic roadside necessities & repairs, fire suppression items, face masks/air filters, StB IFAK, flares and lighting, hatchet, tarp, rope, spikes, water & food (3 pouches Mountain House, energy bars, nuts), a small backpack filled with wool socks, clothing layers depending on season, wool blanket, raincoat & ponchos and a pair of boots.
I keep much of it in a waterproof tote in the boot of my vehicle. StB IKAK in glove compartment.
I also keep an inexpensive ccw either on my person or in a lockbox bolted under drivers seat. I have tarps and other useful items in case I am stranded with vehicle and the backpack gives me option in case I need to leave the vehicle.
SebWilms2002@reddit
Every GHB depends on how far you're going, the local geography, the climate, weather, and more. In ideal conditions, a GHB could be as simple as a bottle of water, granola bar, flashlight and power bank. In a worst case scenario, there are many more needs.
For example, it isn't uncommon to drive 50 miles to work. At a steady pace, that is around 20 hours of walking. The average person will be lucky to walk 15-20 miles in a day, with flat terrain, comfy footwear, and stops for rest and eating, before being overly fatigued. So that could mean 2-3 days to get home by foot. So you need to plan shelter, if there are structures along the way you can use, or if not you need to bring it. When walking your water needs goes up considerably, like 0.5 liters or more per hour. So is there water along the way?
Unfortunately there is no simple formula for a get home bag. The primary needs are always water, inclement weather gear, quick calories, and light. Anything beyond that depends on individual circumstances.
GreyBeardsStan@reddit
I have about 25 miles. I keep a 240 gunners pack with water bottle, thermals, liquid iv, protein, bandana, sawyer squeeze, lighter, hand warmer, full-size pistol, ultralight tarp, basic otcs, 550, knife, tq, is bandage, gauze, inreach, and beanie. My truck has dedicated boxes for tools and assorted gear like toiletries and clothes. This bag is mainly a woods bag when I'm out and about. I really see no need for a ghb, I can get a ride from family and friends.
I would not plan on stopping. Could honestly strip it down more if it was purely a ghb. Home under 10 hours, no need to be loaded down.
AnythingButTheTip@reddit
I'm lucky enough that my inlaws live in town ~15-30min walk from my normal job site. So my GHB is literally a key and a Nalgene.
I do have a go bag at home though. And that's set up for up to 36 hours in either an urban or wooded area. Only thing I have to do is add water and I can step off and be ok for those 36 hours.
To set up a small or any bag, you need to define its role in what you're preparing for. If it is truly to get you home, where are you starting and how is this going to help get you home? Or do you need to "make home" somewhere along the way? Are you planning for personal failures (car caught on fire) or societal collapse (mass riots) that you need to get home in?
Most places have ride share available. So having a phone and credit card will get you home if you can't drive home. Societal collapse, you're definitely gonna walk out of the danger area and then possibly get a ride share around the issue. Or if you have to make home somewhere, having extra cash for a motel, meals, or camping gear is needed. Context and use scenarios are key here.
Anthropic--principle@reddit
Keep it stupid simple! I think of a get home bag as a “my car broke down and I need to walk it”. Some cash(for bus if an option) water, snacks, hoodie, rain slick, bandaids. My edc covers everything else, lighter, knife, ect. Don’t over think it, bombs/ect are not going o drop suddenly when your at work. Keep it real to the statistical things you might encounter any other Tuesday.
Cute-Consequence-184@reddit
My car is my primary "get home".
I have a small backpack with a knife, fire kit, change of clothes if I think I need it. Energy bars, medicine, water, water filter
And that is ONLY if I have to leave my car
MrHmuriy@reddit
Today I was wearing a Vanquest chest pack, which contained a bank card, some cash, car and house keys, a Victorinox Huntsman knife, a phone, a torch, some essential pills and a plastic grocery bag. It was enough to get me home, even if I had to walk 20 miles.
MethodicallyMediocre@reddit
If you drive less than 50 km in your vehicle per day, then don't pack anything you wouldn't use on a looonnnggg walk. Probably don't need any overnight stuff. But you might need a jacket, some snacks, and a bottle of water. Always carry a knife, but put one in your bag too.
Apprehensive_Sir_630@reddit
I have an alice belt with a vietnam era buttpack on it i keep in my car, it had a poncho strapped underneath it, the belt has a canteen with a filter in it and an HT radioI daily carry a knife and multitool. Inside the buttpack is a compass paper map, two field stripped MREs an extra pair of socks in a ranger roll with a polypro set of warming layers and some petty cash and a vortex solo 8x36 monocular. And a cellphone sized solar battery bank with applicable cords for my phone.
This is only to be used for walking if my vehicle is out of commision.
It could easily be done with a back pack.
The goal is to get me home to the rest of my gear not sustain me forever.
And in all reality im going to leverage my car as long as i possibly can it would take alot for me to abandon it.
DanicaZane@reddit
I'd also like to hear different perspectives on this one.
Rough_Remote800@reddit
Following. I have a nice bug out, a small bag I carry with me at all times with the basics, but not a GHB. After looking that up, I realized I’m probably F’d if I needed one