Putting together your kit – whether it is a Bug-Out-Bag (BOB) or a Get-Home-Bag (GHB) or something else – is one of the most basic steps of preparedness. It forces you to think about the details of what you would need and what you can do without. It forces you to make tough choices between value and weight.

A BOB or GHB is really just a miniaturized, essentials-only preparedness kit. It contains the basics of food, water, shelter, fire, medical, and defense – it works whether you are stranded on the road or at home during a disaster. Preparedness is just taking that and expanding on it. That is the unseen value of putting together such a kit – not just having it available in case it’s needed.

Everyone’s situation is different, so there is no “ideal” solution for everyone. This is the first of what we hope will be a series of posts where members provide photos and descriptions of their kits. Hopefully everyone will be able to find something they hadn’t thought of.

If you’d like to have your kit included here, please use the same basic format of photos with description, and use the Contact form to get things started.

Click on an image for a larger, higher resolution view.

 

Description: Stephen’s kit
Total weight: 19.6 pounds as shown, including water and fuel
Purpose: Get Home Bag
Notes:

  • We generally remain fairly close to home – not designed for a long multi-day hike back home.
  • Assumes normal EDC of sidearm with spare ammo, pocket knife, flashlight, phone, etc.
  • When in vehicle, it is kept next to another kit with food and water to consume immediately before leaving on foot (if required) to avoid depleting the kit.
  • Not shown, but included: Vortex monocular (regularly used, so it is kept handy in a smaller kit).
  • An empty pack with armor panel is kept with this kit for use when a second person is present – and for a casual walk on a day trip.

 

Maxpedition Falcon II with Vanquest 5″ MOLLE stick

 

Dump pouch attached to side (can be used to carry water bottle)

 

Outside top pocket. Ear plugs, poncho, toilet paper, lens cloth, sweat band. Not shown – Zip-lock bag with compressed disposable towels. (Space available in this pocket for last-minute items if needed)

 

Outside bottom pocket. “Mission” 12-in-1 Gaiter, hand warmers, 550 cord, Sawyer water filter kit, butane lighter, ferro rod, compass, handcuff key, mini-multi-tool, flash drive with docs, whistle, spoon, latex gloves, foam ear plugs, DEET repellent

 

Middle section. IFAK, mosquito net, energy drink, oven bag, note pad, pencil, pen, ref. cards, Chap-stick, soap, hand towel, stainless water bottles (2), cup (Titanium)

 

Contents of IFAK. Tourniquet, Israeli bandage, gloves, pain meds, tick remover, tweezers, nail clippers, Neosporin, QuickClot, Splinter removal lancette, Potassium Iodide, Band-aids, gauze pads. Kit is designed to handle 1 serious wound and multiple minor problems.

 

Main compartment. Alcohol stove w/cross stand (EverNew Titanium), fuel, tea w/sugar, nylon poncho/shelter, Mylar blankets (2), Trioxane tabs, peanuts, cap

 

Main compartment. Freeze-dried meals, Lifeboat rations

 

Outside sleeve. Level IIIa body armor panel

 

Kit is kept in a duffel bag. Note the Suunto clip-on compass attached to the shoulder strap.