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The Get Home Bag (GHB) also known as an Everyday Carry Bag (EDC).  The GHB is a backpack that is filled with survival gear and personal items that you carry with you every day. The GHB can be a tactical backpack or any bag at that matter. The GHB should be a good quality bag to hold items in it that you will need to get you home during a crisis.

I am saving to get the Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack.  Yes, that is the name.  It’s a bit spendy for me but I am going to get it one day, maybe.  Its a good fashionable GHB. My bag is falling apart. I need a new bag so this is my excuse to get one but knowing me it will never happen because it too expensive but, I like the look of it.

I think it is very important for everyone to create their own GHB’s because you are the only person who knows what you will need in it.  They are custom packed by you, the person who carries it. Our environments are different. We  live in different areas of the country and we each have our special needs and wants.  For instance, my commute to work is in the city so my bag would be packed differently then someone in a rural area.  So pack your GHB for your needs and environment.  So choose a bag that suits you and start stuffing it with your lifesaving items.

Here are suggestions on building a basic GHB. You can remove items and customize the bag to your needs.

Shelter:

This is very important, especially in cold climates and if you have a long walk home after a disaster, you will be glad you have equipment and supplies to build a shelter. Because it is possible that you would have to hunker down somewhere and rest overnight.

• A simple Space blanket or a Bivy Sack depending on where you live.  Either way, both will protect you from wind and cold.
  

• A Poncho – can be used to make a lean-to shelter and protect you from the wind and rain. It is always good to have extras.
  

• 550 Paracord – will help with building your shelter and much more. I will post a page on Emergency uses for Paracord in the future.
  

• Duct tape will help repair anything.

Food and Water:

• Pack emergency food bars or freeze dryer food.

• Water bladder.

• Include water purification tablets.

• A Stainless Steel Canteen.

• A utensils and can opener.

  If you ate or forgot to pack your food, learn how to use the following: 

• Snare wire to help you catch a protein meal.

• A Yo-Yo fishing reel to catch some fish.

• Compass, so you don’t get lost.

First Aid:

• Include a basic pocket-sized first aid kit. There are several soft bag first aid kits, or you can put your own kit together. If you are putting your own first aid kit together, first think of your needs and how big of a kit you can put in your GHB.

• An Altoids tin can be used to store Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes, a couple of pain pills, aspirin or ibuprofen and still may have a little room to spare for something else.
  

Lighting:

You will need a good LED flashlight. I like being hands free so I use a headlamp.  The A LED Headlight iZEEKER 6000 Lumens 18650 is super bright.  Headlamps are a good choice and they are handy when you need your hands free to work on something in the dark.

• Don’t forget extra batteries.

• A couple of 12 hr light sticks will be another smart addition to your kit. Also, check out your local stores around Halloween for the fluorescent bracelets. They will make a good substitute and they are cheap. 

Fire Starter:

• Always, always have various ways to start a fire. Many people lighters (stock up and pack more than one in waterproof bag). But when the fuel runs out of the lighter. Pack extra items just in case like, waterproof matches or a Ferro Rod.

Communication:

• Obviously, your cell phone. Even though, you may not be able to make a call but a text message may get through to someone.

• Depending on how important communication is to you, you can get a FCC Amateur Radio HAM or GMRS license, if not, walkie-talkies should be fine.  Just do some research on the items before you purchase.
  

• Keep in mind that you can find some of these items as an all-in-one. Like the Kaito Voyager. A Digital Solar Panel, Wind Up, Cranking AM/FM/LW/SW & NOAA Weather Emergency Radio with Flashlight, Reading Lamp, Smart Phone Charger & RDS and Real-Time Alert, with AC Adapter. 

Cash:

• If the power goes out, the credit card machines won’t work. So, I suggest setting aside some cash in smalls bills.
  

• If you really want to be ready for a SHTF scenario, they say, you should have a small stash of pre-1965 US silver coins in your bag. The dimes, quarters, and half-dollars made in the USA before 1965 are 90% silver and should be very valuable if paper money loses its value. Contact a coin broker at Affordable Jewelry & Precious Metals to purchase silver or gold.

Knife and/or Multi-tool:

I like to have both a survival knife and a multi-tool because some jobs need a bigger blade and others just need the tools.

This should get you started on building your Get Home bag now. Don’t wait! Customize it to your needs because what you put in your bag could save your life.