Oct 7, 2013

GHB

No, not liquid X.

Get Home Bag.

Call it a 20-mile radius. What should be in it?

Go.

(I have my own thoughts and when I'm done building I'll share.)
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5 comments:

Geodkyt said...

I'm going to assume this is [i]on foot[/i], because 20 miles in a car (or even a bike) is nothing.

Keep in mind that a 20 mile radius means up to two days travel. Sure, you can cover 20 miles on the flat, moving in a straight line, in a day easily. But with detours, congestion, late start, etc.? Figure two days. (Cross country while avoiding other people, figure 3-4 days. Not the case here, I presume).

Assuming major disaster planning: Sidearm (if legally possible), knife, a liter of water (not enough, but trying to keep light), boo-boo kit (including moleskin for blisters, “Vitamin I”, OTC allergy meds, and caffeine pills) & a real pressure dressing & TK, small fire set (disposable lighter & tinder in an Altoids can is sufficient), good spare socks (waterproofed), some candy bars and hard candy for energy (waterproofed), and basic snivel gear appropriate to region and season, including at least a poncho, poncho liner, and both brimmed hat and knit cap. Add a whistle. Good maps of your area and at least a compass – I’d like some ranger beads, too, for accurate pace count.

For non-disaster use (say, highway shutdown leaving you on foot), you could dump the trauma gear, whistle, and (arguably) siderarm, but why bother? However, you would want to ADD a set of spare underwear (waterproofed) and minimal hygiene kit (one of the disposable “waterless” toothbrushes that has toothpaste already included, soap, washcloth, steel mirror, and a disposable razor).

Personally, I’d put together BOTH in one daypack, and add an empty 1 liter canteen and matching canteen cup, and two different water purification options – chemical and filter (like one of the filter straws). At that point, should you choose to avoid roads and move cross country. People in large groups, during weird times, act weirdly. Doesn’t matter if it’s in the aftermath of a major weather event, riots, earthquake, or what not.

10/07/2013 10:58 AM
Freiheit said...

Water.
Rain/cold weather gear.
Food (think snacks, not meals)
Water.
First aid. Meds, boo-boos, minor trauma, "stop the blood or die" trauma in that order with a focus on restoring mobility. Blisters, sprains, etc can hobble you so have what you need.
Empty space. Many GBH and go-bags (including one of mine) leave no room for pickups or extra stuff.
Fire. In case you get stuck outside for a while.
Spare eyeglasses if you wear them. NOT contacts.

The most important thing I've done with my go-bag is to have used it. It goes with me on hikes and camping trips so I am familiar with its contents. I have been able to double up on stuff I need. It keeps water with me in the car, which is nice when I get a bit parched. Using it from time to time also rotates inventory. I am not shy about tapping into it if someone needs some ibuprofen or bandages.

10/07/2013 11:27 AM
Glenn B said...

Not sure I know what you mean by a get home bag but I figure you mean a bag with enough in it to get you to someplace safe in the event of a bad situation. I have been carrying a bag for years that contains survival items. I used to carry it every day when I was employed. Since I had cancer, and thus since I retired, I have it with me less often than I used to but I should carry it all the time. My bag would suffice as a personal bug out bag, a bag with the essentials to get me home, just a plain old survival bag or whatever anyone wants to call it. I have carried one for over 30 years.

It has always consisted of a day pack of one size and style or another. Some of the things it contains are: knife, knife sharpener, first aid kit, compass, food, water, flashlight and extra batteries, glow sticks, signal whistle, poncho, gloves, hat, pair of socks, pair of briefs, t-shirt, space blanket, matches (waterproof), magnesium fire starter, candle, cord, extra shoelaces. In colder weather, I usually can fit a sweater in their too. It is enough to get me through at least a couple of days. No guns or ammo, that stuff is carried on my person.

I did not carry it every moment of every day, usually would throw it in my car, then carry it up to my office. If I went out in the car, it came with me. Stayed in my personal car when not working. Used to be my carry on luggage, since I was a federal agent I could carry it whenever flying, even after 9/11. Now it gets checked in with my luggage if I fly.

All the best,
Glenn B

10/07/2013 12:55 PM
Old NFO said...

Space blanket, first aid kit, PLENTY of water, knife, matches, compass, IOW all the standard stuff...

10/08/2013 1:43 AM
RollsCanardly said...

I think I'd include some toilet paper, cause wiping with leaves isn't too fun. Wet-wipes might suffice, and have more uses. Any river crossings? Empty garbage bags could help keep stuff dry - a big enough one can be used to keep you dry in the rain as well.

10/08/2013 7:03 PM

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