September 03, 2022 – Get Home Bags

Get home bag list, one bag per vehicle.

Backpack – Big enough to carry everything you need, but small and light enough for easy carry for 5-10 miles of walking/hiking.
Extra Pair Socks – For each person that may be riding in your vehicle on a regular basis.
Fixed Blade Knife – A quality knife that is not too expensive. I like the ESEE Izula or Izula-II: 2.8 inches of American made blade goodness. You should already have a folder as part of your EDC.
Matches
Bic Lighters – Every time you go to the store, pick up a pack of Bic lighters. Keep them in your vehicles, bags and around the house.
Magnesium Fire Starter
Vaseline Cotton Balls – Or something that will take a spark or flame easily (dryer lint works well too).
Cordage/Paracord – Useful for numerous things.
Duct Tape – Not the whole roll, too bulky. Take an empty toilet paper roll and wrap some tape around that.
Multitool
Bandannas – Can be used for various things: Head covering, keeping dust out of your nose and mouth, even filtering water in a pinch.
Adjustable Baseball Cap – One for each person that may be riding in your vehicle on a regular basis.
Knit Cap (big and small) – One for each person that may be riding in your vehicle on a regular basis.
Adult Gloves – One pair for each person that may be riding in your vehicle on a regular basis.
Kid Gloves (if necessary)
Sun Screen
Insect Repellent
Snacks – Food that is not too bulky that won’t spoil or melt. Trail mix would work well here (without M&Ms or other chocolate). Nuts will provide you with fat and protein.
Water Purification Tablets
Toilet Paper – Not the whole roll. Wrap around 3 or 4 fingers to make a smaller roll then put in a ziplock bag.
Sunglasses
Work Gloves
Wet Wipes – Stored in ziplock bag.
Paper Pad
Pen
Face Masks
Glow Sticks
Solar Charger
Emergency Signal – Signal mirror or other simple signaling device.
Wool Blanket – Keep in your vehicle. May be too bulky to keep in backpack, but strapping to the outside may be an option.
Emergency/Space Blanket
Flashlight – Don’t skimp on flashlights, get a good quality flashlight.
Extra Flashlight Batteries
Tarp – Can be used for multiple purposes, including shelter (usewith paracord)
Small Backpacking Stove
Water Bottle – Metal water bottle that could be placed in a fire or over the stove for boiling water.
Life Straw – At least one for each person that may ride in your vehicle on a regular basis.
Water Filter – Small backpacking water filter.
Freeze Dried Food – May be too bulky.
Hand Sanitizer
Headlamp – Also look for flashlights that can double as headlamps.
Bivy Sack
Compass
Local and Regional Maps – Paper maps
Ponchos
Emergency Rations
Ham Radio – HT with extra battery. Also include a laminated list of frequencies and repeater information.
Non-Ham HT Radios – MURS or FRS. GMRS requires a license but is easy to get (all you have to do is give the government some money).
Cash
Bungee Cords – Several bungee cords. Can be used for various things, including strapping things to the outside of your bag.

Defensive Items – Everyone has their own preferences here, but think small and light but good quality.

First Aid Kit – Your bag should include a smaller bag with first aid supplies. This can either go inside your backpack, or strap to the outside. This should be a different first aid or trauma kit that you already keep in your vehicles.

The list below is very small, I would suggest reviewing K0STR’s trauma bag list for additional ideas of what to add to your kit (see links at the end of this post).

Small First Aid Kit Bag – Get a bright red first aid bag that is easy to recognize for what it is.

Ibuprophen
Acetaminophen
Chewable Aspirin
Ace Bandage
Medical Tape
Gauze
Bandages
Moleskin
Tweezers
Salt Tablets
Medical Scissors

Comments from the Net:

KB0JTF – Look in the clothing sales store at Ft. Carson for knap sacks. Also have two pairs of socks, a thin pair as the first layer, then your thicker pair as the outside layer.

Look into personal ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter)

Invest in topographic maps that are coated in something that will protect them from water.

N0KMO – Currently using a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault bag.

Invest in a lamination machine for contact info lists, etc.

Look into ways to organize your bags. Put similar items within separate containers inside your bag.

Look at the Garmin ELT

KF0FXA – List of emergency contacts and radio frequencies.

You’re never really going to be more than 10 miles from a road. Also you need to be seen if you want to be rescued. Include a signal mirror.

K0STR – Also doubling up your socks cuts down on blisters.

I have a satellite telephone in my bag for independent communications.

Make sure you are actually able to carry your bag, you don’t want a bag that’s too heavy to carry.

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