by Justin Gray
A "get home bag" (often called a Bug-out bag) is a collection of essential items that you might need if you find yourself in a situation where you're away from home and need to travel back during an emergency or unexpected event. Such events can include earthquakes, social unrest, floods, storms, or any other even that could stop you from simply driving home.
Packing a get home bag for your car can help ensure your safety and well-being during such situations. Here's my list of items you should consider including in your car's get home bag:
Basic Gear:
- Backpack (low-key, something that doesn't scream "I have lots of stuff!")
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Lighter and waterproof matches
- Whistle
- Duct tape
- Paracord
First Aid Kit:
- Adhesive bandages
- Gauze pads
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers and scissors
- Pain relievers and any personal medications
Food and Water:
- Non-perishable, high-energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, etc.)
- Bottled water (steel/not double insulated - you can boil water in this) and a water purification system (I like Sawyer filters)
- Compact camping stove and fuel (if you have space)
Clothing and Shelter:
- Extra clothing appropriate for the weather (including socks and underwear)
- Rain poncho (can be used as a shelter too)
- compact emergency blanket
- Emergency sleep system
Navigation:
- Road maps or an atlas
- Compass and GPS device
- Fully charged power bank for your phone
Communication:
- Fully charged cell phone and charger
- Hand-crank or solar-powered emergency radio
Personal Items:
- Personal identification (ID, driver's license)
- Cash (small denominations)
Tools and Car Supplies:
- Jumper pack (doubles as a power bank for your phone)
- Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench
- Tire repair kit
- Basic automotive hand-tools
Emergency Information:
- Contact information for family members or emergency contacts
- Any relevant medical information or allergies
Local Information:
- Local area map with highlighted routes
Final Thoughts:
Remember that the specific items you pack should be tailored to your location, climate, and personal needs. Additionally, regularly check and update the items in your get home bag to ensure that everything is in good condition and up-to-date (not expired). If you notice, I listed some items twice or have similar items already packed (like a lighter and matches); I believe in redundancy for survival items to ensure your safety. It's also extremely important to be familiar with how to use the items in your bag before an emergency arises!
What did I miss? Leave your suggestions or your EDC kit list in the comments below!
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