What’s In My GO Bag(s) and Why YOU Should Have One!

A Blog Post

By NJ Published 5 years ago • 3 min read

Please Note: I am not a military veteran or a professional outdoorsman/survivalist. My GO Bags & suggestions are solely based off my experiences!

With everything going on in the world right now, I can understand if you’re reading this with a bit of anxiety or concern.

However, let me preface by saying that this isn’t apocalypse propaganda!

Now, I have a handful of GO Bags prepped in easily accessible spots I can get to within a few fleeting moments. Let me show you what’s inside:

THE BACKPACK

This is my main GO Bag. It holds the most items inside to help me out in a survival/emergency situation!

Lighters
Flashlight
Aluminum sleeping bag
Towel
First aid kits
Switchblade

Water flask
Water filter
Spare change of clothes: socks, polyester t-shirt, underwear, etc.
Toiletry bag with minimum essentials: toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes
Field journal & sharpie
Aluminum foil chunks (for heat)
Carabiner
Fabric strap
Mortar fireworks (for SOS signaling)
Dried food packages & non-perishables

Sugar baggie or small packets (for electrolytes or wound healing)
Salt baggie or small packets (for water boiling, electrolytes, seasoning)

I also leave some room in the bag for extra storage along the way (if scavenging is needed).

This bag stays tucked away in my clothing closet in my room. My biggest concern has always been that: I’d be forced into a situation where I’d need to evade my home at a moments notice because of a robber, earthquake, some type of anarchy/purge attack, or an abuser coming to inflict harm on me while I try to sleep.

Now I sleep a little better at night knowing I have an emergency kit ready to grab and GO within a few footsteps!

THE WAIST BAG

Personally, this one is my favorite! Not only is it unique and gives off major super spy vibes, but it’s extremely versatile. With it being strapped to the hip and thigh, this gives my shoulders less weight to carry, which helps lessen joint fatigue in the spine.

This specific bag stays empty, as it acts as my extra storage bag for knives, passports, small snacks, extra lighters, and any items I find useful while out on the road. Things I might store inside include:

Face mask
Lighter
Passport
Cash (in US Dollars)
Carabiner
Water purity tablets
Firestarter

This bag is also hidden next to my main backpack in my closet as an add-on for when I grab and GO!

THE SHOULDER BAG

This bag is small and light! I found the most difficulty packing this particular bag because it has to occupy both storage and essential items.

Switchblade
Lighter
First aid kit
Dry food packages
Face mask
Aluminum sleeping bag
Mortar fireworks (for SOS signaling)
Carabiner
Essential toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, face wipes
Attachable water bottle
Water flask
Water purity tablets
Flashlight
Aluminum foil chunks (for heat)

This bag stays in my car, so its small size is needed for it so actually FIT into my trunk storage compartment. My trunk also holds an extra bungee cord, socks, blankets, and water as an add-on to the bag. I designed this system for situations such as:

Having a disaster situation happen while stuck in traffic & I need to ditch the car (A.K.A. earthquake, bomb, zombie attack)
I’m out camping/hiking & don’t want to carry a heavy backpack up the mountain
I can’t get back home due to a disaster situation
I have to live in my car for X amount of days
My car breaks down & I have to hike to a rescue rendezvous point

You get the idea.

THE GO OUTFIT

Yes, this is a little bizarre, but hear me out!

I have a GO Outfit set aside and prepared to go along with my GO Bags. This goes with the assumption I have the TIME to change into it, but that depends on the circumstances of the emergency situation. I designed this outfit to be as comfortable, durable, and combat effective as possible. For survival, good looks and fashion appeal need to go out the window; it’s not about how GOOD you look. It’s about how GOOD you can get around.

When designing your own GO Outfit, think about these things:
Will this keep me warm?
What material is it made out of?
What colors are they? (Aim for dark & neutral tone colors)
Will it last in rain, dirt, heat, running, jumping, sleeping, etc. without ripping/tearing too easily?
Is it easy to change into?

I recommend you keep your GO Outfit with your main GO Bag so that’s it’s easily accessible and you don’t need to panic about getting dressed or finding the right “Survival clothes”.