Supplies

Go Bag / Go Vehicle

A “go bag” contains all the little things that go a long way in an emergency. Typical inclusions are a torch, matches, bottle of water, radio, energy bars, identification and so on. The sorts of things that could make a night out in the wild more comfortable.

A “go vehicle” is more advanced, and substantially more useful – entirely due to the increased capacity and mobility. It is also a luxury that you may not be able to afford… but if you can manage it, make sure you have one.

The nature of a “go vehicle” means that it is not routinely used for anything else, aside from transporting the driver and a passenger – because the rest of the interior will be full. Well, you could perhaps load it quickly if it is parked in your garage, but what if your decision to flee is when you are with your car, but away from home? My vehicle is half full with the most critical supplies, with extra boxes in the garage ready for quick loading.

If it is just for yourself, your vehicle can contain enough food, water and fuel for a long journey. And of course a car can protect you from the elements.

Stashes

If you are storing food etc, be inventive about where you put it. Although the pantry or garage of your safe spot would be the traditional place to store supplies, it is also the easiest place for thieves to find them. Consider burying portions of your supplies, and maintaining a minimum in the open (as a decoy). In the greater scheme of things, a bit of digging will be a small price to pay for such security.

Example Go Bag

You won’t be able to fit all of these in a handy bag, so choose the items that you believe will be of the most use to you:

  • Torch / Flashlight. Don’t go cheap! Maglites are rightly famous. Generally speaking, most small stainless steel torches that take AA or AAA batteries will be alright. Thinking beyond a 3-day crisis, consider a solar powered and/or hand-cranked flashlight. Word of warning – the crank handle on cheap products will often not last very long, because the act of cranking places a lot of pressure on the handle. Don’t go cheap!
  • Radio. Not knowing what is going on can be terrifying, so make sure you have a reliable radio. One that takes batteries as well as being solar or hand-crankable is ideal. Try and get one that receives shortwave – my Summit Freeplay does
  • Water. You can’t get dehydrated water, so how much you think you will need equals the space/weight it will take. Plastic bottles are lighter, and make sure you err on the side of more water. A person needs two litres / half a gallon per day, minimum. Three two-litre bottles will take up half the space in a small backpack – you just have to accept it
  • Food. Snack bars have a high ratio of energy to weight and size. Chocolate and nuts are good as well. Carbohydrates are too bulky. Tip: taste and personal preference will not matter in a SHTF scenario – you will be willing to eat anything
  • Protective clothing. A glove might prove to be handy. A lightweight poncho can keep you dry. A fresh pair of socks or underwear could save blisters and chaffing
  • iPad / Kindle. Or a smart phone, or an iPod Touch. Or a netbook. The key criteria are being able to go online (over cell networks is a bonus), and storing survivalism ebooks – there are a lot out there that you can grab for free… Knowledge is king
  • ID. Copies of your various forms of ID, credit cards, proof of citizenship or residency, driver’s license. Where you keep your original is up to you. All but one of my originals are at my safe spot. My driver’s license is on me
  • Printed maps. The best scale available for where you figure you will end up. Some maps are accurate to properties and buildings. Presume all electronics will fail and have some old school maps with you
  • Something valuable. Imagine getting mugged. The mugger wants a reward for their crime. If you can give them something they perceive to be valuable (do you risk offering a fake Rolex?), they might depart happy, not harming you, and letting you keep your more vital survival supplies
  • Knives. Difficult in that carrying a knife is illegal in many lands. If you think it will be OK, get yourself a short machete
  • Cash. In the transition between SHTF and everyone adjusting, cash will have some value. A few hundred dollars could be useful, and if SHTF never happens it will be a nice little nest egg
  • Hat and sunglasses. Depending on where you live, these can make marching through an afternoon more pleasant
  • Entertainment. This is more for a long-term scenario, but you won’t really know the scenario length when you initially flee… pack of cards, knucklebones, miniature Bible, whatever you like, as long as it can improve your mood
  • First Aid Kit. Most reputable ready-made kits will do. At a minimum it will contain bandages, tape, dressings, antibacterial ointment, alcohol and safety pins. Beyond that, it depends on how much space you are willing to sacrifice. Unless you are trained, have a manual. Also make sure you have any medications you depend on
  • Photos of Loved Ones. Light and easy to carry, powerful motivator
  • Space Blanket. Takes up almost no space and can keep you warm or cool out in the open
  • Duct Tape. Along with a tarp and paracord, it’s a classic multi-use item
  • Paracord. Either in wristband or belt form, or have a bundle in your bag. As it comes it is great for tying and securing, but if you undo it, inside are thin enough threads to use for sewing or fishing
  • Water purification. Whichever method you choose, have it with you, and have more than you think you could possibly need. That way you could end up saving the lives of others
  • Zip-lock Freezer Bags. Keeps food fresh, and can hold water or other liquids. Also good for keeping things dry
  • Fire Lighters. Plural. Have matches, have cigarette lighters, and have some flint and steel tools
  • Batteries. Spares for whatever devices you are taking with you, and in case you bump into someone who needs them
  • Dental Floss. Tough and compact, great for tying
  • Sunscreen.
  • Mirror and Whistle. Good for being found in the wilderness. Not just by authorities, but if you are separated from others in your party
  • Spare spectacles (if you wear them). If they are prescription sunglasses, they become dual-purpose
  • Tin opener. If you have found one that is reliable and durable, buy a dozen. Carry two with you, some in the car, and some at your safe spot. Or face the prospect of being unable to open canned food that you find
  • Sanitary napkins. Excellent for stopping bleeding
  • Comfortable shoes. Have these alongside your go bag, ready to change in to, if you wear non-sensible shoes otherwise
  • Pcket Binoculars. Wondering if those people up ahead are friendly? Take a closer look. Small binoculars can still do the job

Make sure the bag itself is easy and comfortable to carry. The very nature of SHTF is that you will not know where and how far you might need to carry it. If your workplace is away from your home, either take your bag with you each day, or have a duplicate bag at work.

Additional Items for Your Car

As well as the following, have the items above, just more of each, because you can. Think carefully about how much you fill your vehicle. Consider that you might want to access something fast. Consider that you might need extra space to transport something or someone.

  • Tarpaulin. One of those items that you’ll always find a use for. Things can go on it, under it or be wrapped up in it
  • Tent. If you don’t make it to your safe spot, you might have to camp. A tent will be a whole lot nicer than sleeping in your car
  • Food and Water. Make sure the water containers aren’t too heavy; mine are 10 litres (2.5 gallons). For your car, the food should be tinned
  • Blankets.
  • Sleeping Bags.
  • Walkie Talkies. Cheap and legal, perfect for short-range communications while on the move, or at your safe spot. Practice using them!
  • Night Vision Goggles.
  • Garbage Bags. A small roll has a lot of bags
  • Wet Wipes. For cleaning things when water is scarce
  • Gasoline / Diesel. Make sure you understand how to store it, and the need to rotate it
  • Cooking Pot and Lid. Aside from the obvious, a good cast iron pot can be used for storage, and if you fill it with items it won’t take up much space
  • Portable toilet. Can also have items stored within. Take toilet paper as well!
  • Tools (in a tool box).
  • Rope. Make sure it is strong enough to tow another vehicle
  • Survival Guides. In print form, but try to have them on a screen device as well.
  • First Aid Kit. The bigger, the better. And make sure it has a manual. Don’t cut corners on this item.

You don’t have to store everything in your car. It will only take one minute to transfer some storage containers from your garage. The very best – but pricey – solution is to have a second car that is primarily for escape. It sits in your garage, fully laden, and full of fuel, waiting. Make sure you take it for a drive every now and then…

If you have a dedicated go car, there are two important considerations. An EMP attack could render a modern car useless. And in a long-term scenario, if you have a popular model there will be spare parts available to buy, barter or scavenge. My vehicle of choice is a Toyota Hilux Dual Cab with an enclosed rear that you cannot see into.

On Your Person

There may be times when you don’t have your go bag handy (for example a dinner date), times when disaster could strike. More extreme than a go bag is carrying survival items on your person. I wouldn’t start wearing a vest with 20 pockets everywhere I went, but consider these:

  • Motorola Defy+ cell phone – the most sturdy, water-resistant smart phone available (in 2011) and it is quite cheap. Or a more recent equivalent. Store survival eBooks on it. And of course it is very useful if phone services and GPS satellites aren’t down. Most smart phones have a torch / flashlight app available
  • Casio Pathfinder watch – they are “shockproof”, and mine is solar-powered, with a compass and altimeter and thermometer
  • Survival Straps (available from survivalstraps.com) – 15 feet of paracord wound into an attractive wristband, or up to 200 feet in a belt
  • Leatherman Squirt (or similar) – a multi-tool that goes on your key ring. Scissors, knife, pliers, wire cutter, screwdrivers and a bottle opener. Two inches long and weighs just two ounces. Use your own judgement as to whether it constitutes carrying a knife in your jurisdiction
  • Gold Necklace. Make sure it is real gold! Cut off links when you need them for trading purposes

I have the first four items on me whenever I’m not at home. Not only can they be incredibly useful in a survival situation, but they are excellent conversation pieces! People will ask you why you carry a multi-tool with you, or what that different-looking wristband is all about.

Identification Identification might be very important post-event, so consider having key pieces of ID in each location, even if they are only photo copies. Make sure that you carry a piece of ID on your person at all times, such as a driver’s licence.

Cache

Consider a location that is part of the way to your desired safe spot, and use it to store supplies. Now this could be a secluded parcel of land, a building of some sort, or ideally a run-down but functional home with some acres in a location where properties are cheap. This serves a dual-purpose – if you cannot make it your safe spot, for whatever reason, you can retreat to your cache. Alternatively lease a drive-up unit at a self-storage facility. One large enough to contain a vehicle and supplies can be had for as little as $100 per month. You might even be able to write it off as a business expense.