The Tools of Excellence

Number 54: The Go Bag

A go bag-also called a bug-out bag or emergency kit-is a packed bag (back or cargo) containing everything you’d need to survive 72 hours if you had to leave home immediately: natural disaster, building evacuation, sudden displacement… You grab one bag and go.

What does it contain? Here is a suggested list for one person. • Water: four litres of water plus water purification tablets to extend the supply beyond what you can carry. • Food: 72 hours of non-perishable, ready-to-eat items such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, jerky, tinned food with ring-pull lids. Include a spoon. • Clothing: spare socks and a lightweight, waterproof jacket; a warm layer (fleece or thermal); a hat and gloves. Choose layers that work together and assume extremes of heat, cold and wet. • Light & Power: torch or headlamp (headlamp leaves hands free), spare batteries, charged power bank, phone charging cable. • First Aid: plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, blister plasters, tweezers. • Tools: small multi-tool, duct tape, lighter AND waterproof matches, whistle, pen and small notebook. • Hygiene: wet wipes (multipurpose), toothbrush and small toothpaste, hand sanitiser, tissues, travel soap or biodegradable wipes. • Documents: photocopies (not originals) of ID/passport, emergency contact list, medical information (allergies, conditions, medications). • Cash: a small amount of cash in mixed denominations. • Shelter & Comfort: foil blanket, compact poncho, small tarp or survival bivvy bag. • Safety & Communication: small radio (wind-up preferred as no battery dependence), high-visibility tab or strap, basic dust masks, lighter, candle, and key phone numbers written on waterproof card.

Build your go bag once, check it twice yearly (replace expired food, update documents, refresh batteries). Store it accessibly-under the bed, in a hall cupboard, in the car boot-somewhere you can grab it in the dark or during chaos. Mine is in a cupboard near the main door.

This is not prepper paranoia, it’s preparedness. Natural disasters, fires, floods, and unexpected evacuations happen. Those of us in europe have discovered extensive fires and floods are now regular events. Having your go bag ready means you can leave at once with essentials secured, rather than panicking about what to grab while smoke alarms sound.

One bag. Three days of independence. Complete preparedness. That is security you can carry.

The other 69 Tools of Excellence are here.