Get-home bag backpacks are the right partner, especially during emergencies. Sometimes, you must walk 15 miles to get home and need supplies to survive.
Many man-made and natural disasters could warrant the use of a get-home bag.
These are power interruptions, severe weather conditions, automobile breakdowns, war, floods, storms, tsunamis, and tornadoes.
The intensity of the event differs from one to the other, and some people have realized that as simple as a get-home bag can save their lives when they are most unprepared.
Preparing for the get-home bag is simple, and the items can be found in local stores.
The list may differ depending on budget and type of emergency looked forward, but the essential tools are the same.
Thus, this article will discuss the importance of getting a get-home bag today. We will also tackle some everyday items and what type of bags to use for survival.
Understanding What is a Get Home Bag
There are three types of bags that each person must prepare for emergencies.
The first one is the everyday carry kit, which contains items that you use regularly. You usually bring this to school or work to help you solve minor issues you face daily.
Meanwhile, a get-home bag can give you supplies if your life is in danger during your regular commute. It can be due to small-scale to massive-scale disasters like storms, vehicle crashes, war, or civil unrest.
The items inside can help you survive for about 24 to 48 hours until you get home safely.
Also, get-home bags are compact, and you can always carry them. Lastly, the bug-out bag can equip you with the items you will need for long-term survival. The bag is enough to carry even big things.
However, you can only keep it with you at some times. You can put it in your automobile or a safe place to access it easily.
Recommended Get Home Bag Backpacks
The get-home bags must be lightweight so that you can easily carry them anywhere. It must also have ample space to bring all the items that will help you get home safely.
It should weigh about 20 pounds, has a capacity of 35 liters, and be sturdy. Here are some of the get home bag backpacks that you can buy in the market today:
5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack
Consider the 5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack if you want a high-quality backpack.
This product is available in various colors: Black, Dark Earth, Double Tap, Multi-Cam, OD, and Sandstone made of nylon material with a water-repellent coating and has a reinforced grab-and-go handle.
It also includes a hydration pocket, a zippered fleece-lined eyewear pocket, and a SlickStick web platform.
The bag has spacious storage, dual zipping side pockets, and a stuffit pocket.
Also, it has three main compartments with mesh, a hydration bladder, a water bottle pocket, a hook, and a loop area for your nametag or flag patches.
Like other products, it has an external compression strap and a shoulder strap system.
Camelbak 62102 HAWG 100-Ounce/3-Liter Mil Spec Antidote Long Hydration Pack
The Camelbak backpack has sufficient storage capacity for your emergency supplies.
This one also includes a 3-liter hydration bladder, while its total size is about 23 liters. It is made of a high-density nylon harness.
Meanwhile, its shoulder is made of EVA foam pads. As per the specifications, this bag weighs 2.75 pounds or 1.2 kg.
Condor Compact Assault Pack
This bag has four individual compartments, and it is available in various colors, which are black and olive green.
The straps have pads to provide comfort for the users.
Also, it has waist and sternum straps for stability while on the road.
It is specifically designed for organizing things inside the bag and for easy access. It is also compatible with a hydration bladder.
Finally, its total dimensions are 18" x 10" x 10" 1362 cubic inches; 22 Liters.
Eyourlife Tactical Sling Bag Military Rover Small Shoulder Sling Pack
Another tactical product at an affordable price is the Eyourlife Tactical Sling Bag.
The product is available in various colors, which are tan, green, gray, and black.
The measurement of this product is 17.7" x 9.4" x 4.7," and it has a capacity of 20 liters.
Also, the bag is suitable for both men and women users. It has spacious storage with dual front pockets and MOLLE-style accessory loops.
The back panel is breathable and padded mesh so that the air can circulate better.
Meanwhile, the shoulder straps have pads to offer extra comfort. It is made of 600D Oxford Cloth with water-repellent clothing.
It also contains a heavy-duty oversized zipper to add durability to the product.
High Sierra Classic 2 Series Diplomat Lumbar Pack
The High Sierra Classic 2 series is another must-have backpack for emergencies. It has multiple compartments and two external water bottle holders.
Also, the product includes BPA-free bottles. You can add additional gear to the bag due to its webbing and mesh pouch.
The bag is made of 100% polyester and has four exterior pockets.
The specifications measure 10" high, 16.5" wide, and 30" shoulder drop. It has two colors: Mercury/ Ash/ Yell-O and True Navy/ Royal Navy.
Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack
The Maxpedition Falcon II Backpacks are designed for hauling and are specially designed never to drag down the user.
It has a curvy strap with foam pads that contours your chest. It also includes a sternum suspension belt, which distributes the weight of the luggage evenly on your upper body, so you can carry a heavy load even without falling behind.
The bag is made of nylon, enabling it to stand in any weather condition.
Also, it has a compact size that keeps the shape even when complete.
As to the specifications, the primary compartment measures about 18" x 9.5" x 4.75", while the secondary compartment measures 16' x 8" x 3". It has a capacity of 25 liters of weight.
Finally, the product is available in various colors: Black, Foliage Green, Khaki, OD Green, and Wolf Gray.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
The North Face bags are one of the trusted brands in the market today, and you can use this bag for outdoor adventures.
It is made in the United States; thus, you are assured of its quality. It is made of 210D Cordura nylon.
Also, the bag has a capacity of 28-liter weight with secure access pockets and an overhauled suspension system.
Its' back panel is padded mesh with a spine channel for smooth air circulation and maximum support.
The bag also has a laptop sleeve and a compartment for gadgets. As per the specifications, the bag measures 8.5" x 19.8" x 13.5" and only weighs about 3.25 pounds.
Finally, the product is available in various colors, such as black, red, blue, and asphalt.
Rapid Dominance Classic Military Messenger Bags
If you wish to use a messenger get-home bag, you can opt for the Rapiddominance Classic Military Messenger Bags.
This product is durable and made of 100% cotton canvas with polyester lining. It has a large compartment with a 16-liter capacity and a 2-inch adjustable strap to carry heavy loads.
It has seven pockets in total, which are on the front, side, main compartment, inside zippered pocket, and outside back pocket.
Also, the product is available in various colors: Black, Khaki, Olive, and Woodland. The overall measurement of the bag is 19"W x 14.5"H x 7" D.
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack
This product is available in various colors: Coyote, Woodland Digital, Olive Drab, and ACU. It has an ambidextrous shoulder strap and a quick-release buckle.
Also, it has 9 liters capacity storage and two external pockets so users can easily access items on the bag.
GPS Tactical Range Backpack
The free-standing GPS TACTICAL Range Backpack is perfect for hands-free transportation to and from the range.
Three separate, detachable pistol storage boxes are included with the backpack. These padded handgun cases each provide room for one weapon and four magazines.
Your weapons are kept secure in the backpack thanks to its sturdy honeycomb frame and locking YKK zippers.
The Visual I.D. Storage System clearly labeled pockets for earplugs, shooting safety glasses, shooting targets, ear muffs, tools, and more are also included in the tactical range backpack.
This backpack has a waterproof pull-out rain cover to help keep its contents dry when it rains.
The front pocket's unzipping and flattening provide a working surface at the range.
The stability of the load on your back is improved with a padded waist belt and chest strap.
The Tactical Range Backpack is made to bring your weapons, ammo, and accessories to the range safely and hands-free.
Insights The Shift Xbow/rifle - Pack Realtree Edge 2049 Cb In
With a compression molding mechanism to safeguard your weapon's optics, the Shift pack is the most adaptable. It lets you carry any crossbow or rifle.
Additionally, The Shift provides a freshly created tree stand shelf and basket system that enables you to put everything in your tree and have it within easy reach at all times.
Features three alternative pocket use possibilities thanks to the TS3 front pocket design. A typical front pocket is the initial use. With the second, the front pocket may be unzipped, laid flat, and used as a shelf.
This is the best application when the pack is fastened to a tree. When the pocket is used for the last time, it is dropped, and a basket emerges—making it simple to use range finders and binoculars while in the stand.
Starter List For The Get Home Bag
This portion will discuss the essential items that you will need to gather and have our get-home bag backpacks. Check this out now:
Compass and Map
If your device does not work during emergencies, then a map and a compass will be beneficial in finding your way home.
Print maps of the local area you are visiting and secure them in your bag.
Also, buy a weather-proof compass to use even in harsh conditions.
Various items are helpful, and you can add them to your get-home bag list. These items are pens, markers, zip ties, plastic bags, toilet paper, whistles, and paracord bracelets.
Just be creative in equipping your bag with the items you need.
Extra Clothes
Grab some clean shirts, pants, undies, socks, jackets, and a bandana or mask with you and put it in your backpack.
A complete change of clothes can protect your body from sudden temperature rises or drops in the wild. Thus you must be prepared for it.
Fire Starters
Ensure your bag has fire starters that you must keep within a moisture-proof container. Some of these are matches, lighters, and cotton balls with rubbing alcohol.
Sometimes during emergencies, you must build a fire to cook food or warm your body. These materials are necessary, but ensure you handle them carefully.
First Aid Kit
First aid is needed to address health issues you have temporarily while professional help is not yet available. You need to have the following items in the kit:
- Antibiotics
- Bandages
- Gloves
- Pain medications
- Tea tree oil-This can disinfect wounds, treat blisters, reduce muscle swelling, and soothe a painful body.
- Tourniquet
- Witch hazel-repels insect
If you are on medication, it is advisable to always bring your medicines with you anywhere you go. Put some of these medicines in the first aid kit of your get-home bag too.
Food and Drinks
You must pack food and drink supplies to have energy and survive the disaster.
Food and water are essential to nourish the body and last a day of walking or running back to your home.
The food must be lightweight plus easy to prepare. Some are the MREs or meals ready to eat, food pouches, granola bars, dehydrated fruits or any mixes, and biscuits.
Meanwhile, bring at least two to three liters of water in your backpack. You can also have water filters or purifying tablets to produce clean drinking water when your supplies deplete.
Light Source
You need a good light source in your get-home bag because you might get lost in the dark. Some of the items are the following:
- Candles and matches
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Glow-in-the-dark sticks
- Headlamp
Meanwhile, most smartphones available today are equipped with a flashlight app. But ensure you bring extra phone batteries, a portable energy bank, or a solar charger.
Self-Defense Items
You must also have some items to help you defend yourself, especially in remote areas. You don't need to go ahead and apply for the license to carry a handgun because there are also other items you can try to defend yourself. Some of these are pepper spray, a Taser, or a knife.
Shelter Supplies
It would help if you had shelter supplies in your get-home bag to sleep safely whenever you get stuck in the wilderness, road, or automobile.
Examples of shelter supplies are blankets, a tarp, and an emergency poncho. These materials will protect your body, especially in the harsh weather outdoors.
Conclusion
In sum, a get-home bag backpack is not just an ordinary bag: it is your survival partner, especially when you are away from home and help is impossible.
When you buy backpacks, make sure they are made of high-quality materials, have ample space, are durable, and are affordable.
Meanwhile, in purchasing items for the get-home bag, always buy the basics first and add other things that can help you. As the cliche goes, preparation is better than cure.
Thus, investing in a get-home bag backpack can save your life during emergencies, and the time to act is now.