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Print this page then fold paper, place in a ziplock bag and store it somewhere easily accessible… like your go bag*.  Disaster happens quickly and when it does, chances are there may be no internet or power available.  This site lists supplies to acquire and tactics to deploy so your family has a chance at survival.  We purposely left images off this page to make it easier to print.

The Standard ‘Go Bag’

I have two go bags lite version for the car/office and a bigger one for home.    In the event of a nuclear attack by an enemy nation, the last thing you want to do is venture outdoors.  You should stay sheltered for at least 48 hours.  Good luck telling that to a father who’s child is at school.  Even if a non-nuclear attack happens and you need to leave, having multiple options for yourself and your family is a choice you’ll have to make.  

Tip – If you can’t afford to double up on the supplies listed below, at least keep them stored together in a common area ideally in something semi-portable like a milk crate.  This will allow for quick access during a real emergency and your every day life emergencies like replacing the batteries in your remote before the game starts.  Not every emergency starts with you grabbing a bag and venturing into the forest to live off the land.  You may very well be packing up the SUV and driving to a safer place.

In extreme conditions, a human can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food.

The Lite ‘Go Bag’

  • Pick your bag.  Find a backpack you already have or buy one here here here.  $0-$40
  • 1 Book: SAS Survival Guide (pocket sized)
    • Optional books: 100 Deadly Skills: The SEAL Operative’s Guide to Eluding Pursuers, Evading Capture, and Surviving Any Dangerous Situation (Books), U.S. Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76 (Books), Emergency: This Book Will Save Your Life (Books), How to Be Invisible: The Essential Guide to Protecting Your Personal Privacy, Your Assets, and Your Life (Revised Edition) (Books)

Food/Water

  • 1 Liter bottle water or 2 small water bottles $2
    • Good rule of thumb is 64 oz. of water per person per day.  BPA free is a plus.
    • Optional Collapsable water bottle or Nalgene hard water bottle.Collapsable bottles are nice because they don’t take up much space but the ruggedness of a Nalgene is hard to beat. Easy to hang your Nalgene outside of your pack to free up space.
  • Water purification system like LifeStraw -http://lifestraw.com/products/lifestraw-go/
    • If you run out of water sources, you’ll have to clean filter non-potable water to stay hydrated.  Your body will begin to shut down after a day of no water.  Staying hydrated is rule #1
    • Optional Water purification tablets (x pack)
    • Optional stainless steel water bottle with no paint/coating (use this to boil water or for cooking)
  • Depending on your preference you’ll need to treat your water with tablets or use something like LifeStraw.  Dealer’s choice.
    • 1 Box protein bars
      • You need carbs, fat and protein to survive and your body will shut down after 3 days without food.  Protein bars are a compact choice that will keep you going.
      • Optional – jerky, trail mix, nuts, protein powder, canned food, MREs.  ps – replace this once a year.Wise Company Grab N’ Go Bucket – 56 Servings.  2 servings per day for 1 adults for 4 weeks or 4 adults for 1 week.
    • 1-3 MREs per person you are stocking up for.
      • These can take up a lot of space in your bag, but remember, once you eat it, the space is free again.  If you can fit it, why not pack it?  It’s an option in case your foraging comes up short.
    • Portable camping stove, cookware, and sporks.  Lots of options and a good write up here.  

Safety

  • 1 Collapsable Emergency Escape Mask by Potomic is designed to provide certified protection for biological and chemical terror threats including: anthrax, cyanide, sarin, and smallpox. Its designed for both military and civilian use.
    • Optional smoke hook to filter out toxins in the air caused by fires or WMDs.
    • Optional Israeli Civilian Gas Mask Kit has full NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) Protection.
  • 1 Pocket knife
    • Sharpen the knife out of the box, and choose the model that is versatile for your environment, but not so cumbersome that you can’t find or get at what you need.  Make sure it has a can opener.
      • Optional Humvee Optional Gun, holster, and ammo clip (optional cleaning kit).
      • Optional 1 Pepper Spray
    • Buy a few extra while you are at it and keep them in cars or a secure location around the house.
    • 5 in 1 Emergency Whistle
    • The 5 in 1 option is the way to go.  Compass, whistle, signaling mirror, flint sparking rod, and a waterproof storage container.  Inexpensive and condenses other equipment suggestions into one.
      • DIY compass… if you want to walk south in the morning, the sun should be on your left.  In the evening, hold your left arm out to the side and turn your body until your left hand is pointing at the sun.  You are now facing north.  In the Northern Hemisphere, you would usually find moss on the side of the tree that points north.  On a clear night, find the North Star which is above the big dipper’s bowl/cup.
    • 1 Headlamp
      • A headlamp will keep your hands warm from the cold or free to perform tasks.  Bonus if you have an infrared light on your headlamp allows for low light output to conserve battery and remain covert.
      • Optional – 1-2 candles, battery powered flashlight, phone charger, small lantern, crank flashlight, or chemical light sticks (military grade) to light up the inside of your go bag without drawing attention.
    • 1 Emergency blanket
    • Mylar version (silver/metallic) is cheap, compact and light.  Other pricier options exist if you must.
    • 1 Pack Waterproof matches
    • Consider including a small lighter in addition.

Clothing

  • 1 Pair Wool Socks mid-weight
    • Hard to beat wool.  Big fan of Merino Wool for socks.  No smell for days, wicks moisture and can maintain consistent temperature.  Cotton socks are better than nothing, but wool is the clear winner.
    • 1 Buff
    • 12 in 1 head protection from sun, wind, and cold.  Versatile and quick drying.
    • 1 Rain pancho or water proof/resistant jacket
      • Grab a pancho at the dollar store and tuck it in your pack.  Feather light and doesn’t take up space.  My preference is for a jacket if you have an extra one that you just couldn’t throw away.
    • 1 Long Sleeve button down shirt
      • Opt for a polyester blend shirt, ideally with SPF if sun may be a factor.  Dries quickly, has secured pockets, and a nice feature of buttons that secured rolled up sleeves.
      • Optional – fishing vest can come in handy for quick access to essentials and weight distribution.
    • 1 Pair zip-off pants
      • Opt for a polyester blend and some indication of quick dry.  Some have SPF protection.  Versatile and comfortable.  Remember, this stuff doesn’t just need to sit in a bag collecting dust.  Use them to travel and enjoy life, just be diligent at replacing them when you return from vacation.
    • 1 Hat
      • Baseball hat can be more conspicuous but a bucket cap is going to provide additional protection from the elements.  Opt for a hat that is quick dry as opposed to 100% cotton.
    • 1 Pair Sunglasses
      • A polarized pair of sunglasses doesn’t have to cost $200.  Lower quality polarized lenses can be purchased much cheaper.  Opt for a lens that is brown or amber for maximum flexibility in different light conditions.  My bag has an old pair of shades that had a few scratches and were replaced.
    • 1 Pair mechanic gloves
      • Your hands need to be protected from the elements.  For a few extra dollars you can opt for the ones with plastic molded knuckles.  Doubles for self defense and packs a punch.
    • 1 Pair Moisture wicking compression shorts or underwear
      • Tighty whites or cotton boxers aren’t going to be comfortable very long and they take forever to dry.  You probably notice a theme…poly blend and quick dry is the way to go every day.
    • 1 Mid-weight fleece jacket (full zip or 3/4)
      • Depending on your climate, choice or jacket or pancho, this is an option to consider but your first cold evening out will remind you why it was a good idea to keep it.

Healthcare

  • 1 mini first aid kit
    • Aside from standard wound dressing items feel free to drop in your own ‘first aid’ items like pain reliever, sun screen, antihistamine, eye drops, chap stick (lots of uses like stopping cuts from bleeding and preventing blisters), vitamins, insect repellent, protein powder, ‘quick clot’, Israeli Medical Bandages 4″ Emergency Bandage, latex medical gloves etc.  Look in your medicine cabinet for ideas on anything else you might need and weigh it against likelihood of happening vs. discomfort if may cause and space.
    • Travel toothpaste, toothbrush, 1 small bar of soap and other small personal hygiene options you need.
    • Any medication you NEED
      • This goes for your medication and medication for those you may be traveling with.  Never hurts to have extras if you have space.  Whether it’s a gift or a barter, luck favors the prepared.
    • 1 Ziplock bag (3 cotton balls to start fire, 1 pack tissues, 2 folded up paper towels, 1 hand sanitizer)
    • Keep ‘like’ things together.  I included the sanitizer, because it will probably fit in the bag and something you’ll use after the tissues as toilet paper.  A cigarette can also be used to barter, earn good will and it holds an ember for 10 minutes if conditions make it tough to get the fire started.  Baby wipes are another alternative.  Not a great fire starter, but multiple uses to stay ‘fresh’.
    • Portable Toilet 5 Gallon is not for bugging out it’s for staying in.  In the case of a nuclear attack waste disposal and sanitation will become a greater factor in your survival and well being.  In a non-SHTF scenario, enjoy your luxurious $50 toilet on a family camping trip.

Essential ‘Other’ Supplies

  • 2 carabiners
  • You can hook a smaller pack or water bottle to your main pack, hang something to dry while you hike, clipping items to your belt for quick access, tying one end to a rope, and rigging shelters.
  • A handheld crank radio is best but if you have a rechargeable power source (ideally solar power too).  You can opt for something that will take batteries or a power supply.  Tune in for emergency broadcasts.
    • Optional – Ham radio, walkie talkie, USB solar charger, cellphone with pre-paid calling card, headphones, flash drive to save your important document backups, power converter (ie – cigarette lighter in a car to power a USB cord), or a GPS device.
  • 2 gallon size and 2 quart size ziplock bags.
    • Ziplock bags keep things dry and organized.  You can place each item of clothing in a separate bag.  May seem like overkill but chances of one or more bags breaking is inevitable.
    • 1 Small towel or ‘shammy’ – http://survivalresources.com/Products/Misc_Items.html#LightloadTowels
      • A Shamois is a leather material and can be used to replace a viable alternative in a micro-fiber.  I like the ShamWow (synthetic) which can be used to collect dew or even dirty water and serve as a filter when you ring it out.  They can even be used for a spark based fire starter after you ‘rough up fibers’.
    • Small roll of duct tape and several zip ties.
    • 550 Parachute Cord (50′).  Build or buy and optional monkey fist for weight to throw the cord.
      • Too many uses to name them all.  Here’s a few…makeshift belt, repair cord for torn equipment, tie down, tow rope, shoe laces, rappel rope, climbing rope, shelter building, raft lashing, fishing line/rod/reel, tourniquet, make a pulley, or make a bear bag to keep food away from local critters.

Situational

  • Notepad and pencil.  This is less about penning your next novel and more about taking notes on what you are experiencing.  Take note of patterns in daylight, weather, noises, activity, time walking etc.  Also, the notepad can double as a communication device if you lose your voice or need to communicate covertly.
  • 1 sharpie marker to mark a trail, leave a note, or make a sign.
  • Tactical pen.  The UZI Tactical Pen With Glass Breaker is awesome and can be used as a self defense weapon, kubotan, glass breaker, writing pen.  
  • Water proof bag can be used to transport water, keep things dry, used as a pillow, and in a water emergency it can be used as a flotation device.  Fill this with air like this.  Or you can always use your pants as a flotation device.
    • Keeping your daily routines and completing tasks will have residual benefits on your physically and mentally.  Motivate yourself by setting a goal like rewarding a long trek with a clean up (only if safe).
    • 1 Large heavy duty garbage bag
    • A heavy duty garbage bag can used to keep your pack dry during a rain storm or as a float across a stream.  Cut small holes in the top and sides of the trash bag to serve as a makeshift pancho.
      • Optional Mesh water/food storage bag (and more).
    • Creature Comforts: a small bottle or flask of whisky, cigarettes, wine, chocolate, gum, pictures of family, deck of cards, coffee or other things that remind you of home to keep spirits high or use in a barter for essentials.
    • ID – Passport is ideal.  You never know when you’ll need to cross a border or seek asylum.  Pro Tip – scan your important documents, copy them to a USB drive and encrypt them with a password.
    • $100-200 cash in small bills ($1-$2 in quarters optional)
    • If you have to buy something, chances are the seller doesn’t have change or doesn’t want to make change and will happily take $10 for something he would have sold you for $5.  Stash the cash in a few places to avoid losing it all by accident or by force.
    • Consider a good fixed-blade knife ie – Tactical Recon Knife #05), foldable shovel, or an ax.  These tools add weight but can come in handy.

*I know this sounds like a lot, but this all can fit within a standard multi-pocket backpack and the 2 carabiners can be used to hang bulkier items like a Nalgene on the outside of the bag.