Everything I Pack in My Go Bag
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Whether you’re dealing with a natural disaster, a public-health emergency, or a human-caused disaster, an emergency kit can help you get to safetyandstay safe. And having these items packed and ready can give you peace of mind, even if you don’t need to use them. Kits like these — sometimes called go bags or bug-out bags (most of these items can fit in one backpack, so you can get up and go) — should provide you with the basics to survive a few days. When I wrote about thebackpacking gearI use to survive in the woods, I listed items that serve an essential purpose, are lightweight, and don’t take up much space in your pack. The same rules apply to the things in a home emergency kit. (If you’re looking for more items to stock up on — especially if you’re looking to shelter in place rather than get up and go — my colleague Kat Gillespie rounded up a list ofemergency-preparedness itemsas recommended by survivalists and emergency professionals.)
The gear you include in your kit might depend on your situation, such as specific medical needs like prescription medications, or whether you have kids, pets, or other family members. The types of items you pack will also depend on your local geography — both because of the types of natural disasters common in the area and also the kind of terrain you might end up in.
You might be surprised by the kit you can put together with what you have lying around the house: Some of the canned goods in your pantry and extra toiletries from your bathroom are perfect for a go bag. And if you don’t already have them, you can easily buy them online or purchase them at your local drug store or supermarket.
Update on October 9, 2024:Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Food and water
Food and water are the basic necessities of an emergency kit. Opt for nutritious, nonperishable foods like canned beans and vegetables, protein bars, and energy bars. I like having some extra freeze-dried backpacking meals handy because they’re lightweight and don’t take up much space. It’s also a good idea to bring a water filter in case you don’t have access to clean, drinkable water. Including extra utensils and packable plates or bowls is a good idea, if you have the space. If you have kids and pets, be sure to pack extra food for them too.
First aid kit
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A first-aid kit is a crucial part of an emergency kit. Having basic supplies like bandages, gauze, tweezers, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and nonprescription medications will help you be prepared for minor injuries. There are many good kits out there, but I use this one from Adventure Medical Kits. Pack prescription medications(or a list of them), too, along with N95 masks and extra plastic bags and trash bags for sanitary purposes.
Toiletries
It’s always a good idea to have a few travel-size toiletries, like a toothbrush, extra toothpaste, sanitary wipes, soap, shampoo, and other items in your routine to maintain good hygiene and to stay comfortable. If you use them, pack an extra set of contact lenses and backup prescription and reading glasses.
A change of clothes
In an emergency, you might not know how long you’ll be away from home. Having a change of dry clothes can not only keep you comfortable but can be crucial in inclement weather. I opt for versatile materials like wool, which insulates and handles moisture well. You’ll also want to pack a rain shell for wet weather.
Important documents and cash
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Take copies (or original versions) of IDs, birth certificates, and insurance in the kit. It’s always a good idea to bring cash. Keep the documents and cash in a sealed container like this one, or a plastic bag.
Flashlight or headlamp
If there’s a power outage, or if you just need to move around in the dark, you’ll want a light source. Opt for a powerful, compact LEDflashlightor headlamp with a long battery life — and if you can, one that’s rechargeable.
Weather radio
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Weather radios can be helpful for hearing emergency radio broadcasts and important weather information — they’re tapped into the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) network, which broadcasts those alerts, whereas regular radios won’t pick up those frequencies. I opt for a model that has a hand crank (which often recharges the battery) in addition to a solar panel.
Backup battery and charging cables
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Keep a few spare batteries and a rechargeable option (like the solar-powered weather radio, which works as a charger) to ensure that your devices will have extra juice when you need it.
Multitool / Pocket knife
A multitool or pocket knife is one of those versatile pieces of equipment that might be crucial for tasks that require pliers, a can opener, scissors, wrenches, screwdrivers, or a knife. I like my Leatherman, which makes all the individual tools easy to pull out and use while being housed in a compact design.
Maps / GPS device
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Having maps of your local area (or a GPS device) can help you get your bearings in an emergency. I opt for a device like the Garmin InReach, which provides a digital map of my surroundings and has SOS capabilities.
Matches
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Keep a little container of matches (in a waterproof case) stashed in your kit. I have the same ones in my backpacking kit and keep them in a plastic bag, along with some kindling — I use extra toilet paper.
Emergency blanket / tarp / duct tape
A heat-reflective blanket (which often looks like foil) is a lightweight emergency option if you don’t have enough insulation in colder weather. You want to keep a stable core body temperature when you’re exposed to the elements, and this pocket-size layer can help you achieve that in a pinch. And if you need to quickly make a shelter, a waterproof tarp can provide a shield from rain and wind and serve as a makeshift tent. A roll of duct tape will be useful in many situations, including patching fabrics or repairing gear and equipment.
In the video below, Jeremy shows us how to build at-home emergency kit.
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