Let’s talk Bags (SHTF, BOB, Go-Bag, GHB, etc)

Jerzsubbie

Jerzsubbie

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Everyone has their own “type” of bag to suit their needs or to prepare for a certain range of situations.

I put together a lightweight SHTF/Get Home Bag (GHB) a few years ago, and tested it during an overnighter. It was an all black 30L REI pack, which I later changed to a less tactical looking grey REI 30L pack.
B5F40EC0-BF87-45DF-96BB-84ED4E84231C.jpeg

Unfortunately, when I went from a sedan to a truck, my pack no longer fit in any concealed storage compartment. So I decided to put together a new, compact GHB/survival kit using a Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack.

16096995-252A-41F0-BBD0-1AAFB2055736.jpeg E596377E-68FA-4241-9123-B7D9C8D8E03A.jpeg

Contents:
Hat
Gloves
Dust/Face mask
UL SOL bivvy
Space Blanket
Inflatable pillow
4 hand warmer packs
Fire kit tin (3 fire starters)
Mora knife
Light (secondary)
Bank line 40ft
Not pictured:
5x8 MEST tarp w guy lines pre-tied
2 cliff/MRE bars
Small bag of Jerky

Not Included:
Nalgene, stored separately
FAK, is its own kit
No firearms/ammo etc, not my intended purpose; this could be grabbed with a long gun & PC in a SHTF scenario.

What do you guys think? Any glaring gaps or easy things that could be improved that I may not have thought about?

Share your BOB/GHB/SHTF/Go-Bag.

Edit:
Adding per recommendations in this thread
Pair of socks
Small roll of duct tape
Heavy duty trash bag
Hard candy
Sawyer filter
2 spare CR123’s
 
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Add a life straw or similar water filtration device if you don’t have one. Other than that it seems like a good kit. My bag has twice that much stuff in it, but if I actually had to walk I’d dump half of it. I consider mine dual purpose. Meaning if I had to stay put for awhile I could use its entire contents, or if I had to get outta dodge I’d drop part of it.
 
And a couple light sticks. They’re compact, lightweight, don’t take up a ton of room and save flashlight batteries. I’m sure I’ll think of something else to fill your little bag up
 
Burt and DLee got you on some good ones. What I will say is 'gaps' are so dependent on the purpose, intent, expectations of your personal set up, that its hard to say. Worried about getting stuck at the office half hour from home or need to get to a bugout location' 100 miles west are very different packs. Self vs family, etc. General purpose is cool too, just about expectations--think how varied a general purpose 'medkit' can be...


I'm in awful situation. My 'SHTF' kit might as well be a single .45acp with my name painted on it (maybe ceracoated to be more tacti-SHTF? hehe). Being in uproot limbo, I'm in an apartment complex. So no primary or secondary property to speak of. My old plan was bug-in for sure given that arrangement.

I can post pics of and contents of what my old BOB contained, but I need to reconsider and redraw my entire plan for such a scenario--and reallllly hope nothing earth shattering happens in the next year before I resettle into more permanent situation, where I will need to reevaluate yet again.
 
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Mine has
Mora knife
My big bark river knife
Leatherman
1/2”x5” ferro rod
Water filter kit
Drink flavor packs(so my filtered creek water tastes good)
1/2 gallon bottle
Stanley 24oz pot, etek stove, gas cylinder
Clif bars, oatmeal, grits
Pistol magazines
Spare streamlight and batteries
Light sticks
Socks and step ins
Solar panel and a couple different charging cables
Duct tape wrapped around a sharpie
Paracord
Emergency tarp and tent
IFAK
Bug spray
Silcock key
Flagging tape
And a big trash bag that will hold my entire bag in case it needs to float. ( I hope that never happens)
My truck has a bed cover on it. In there is a couple crates with extra first aid stuff, streamlight lantern,
And about a dozen pouches of mountain house food.

I can take it apart and find more stuff that I’d didn’t mention probably, and truth be told I probably should just to check things, swap out charged batteries, that kinda thing.
 
this too
 

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Burt Gummer said:
Add a life straw or similar water filtration device if you don’t have one. Other than that it seems like a good kit. My bag has twice that much stuff in it, but if I actually had to walk I’d dump half of it. I consider mine dual purpose. Meaning if I had to stay put for awhile I could use its entire contents, or if I had to get outta dodge I’d drop part of it.
Click to expand...
I’m undecided but thought about storing my nalgene empty with a Sawyer mini and more food inside.
Tell me more about chemlights. I’ve seen them recommended but never really understood a great practical use for them. Would it not be better to have a couple spare batteries and use the low setting on your light, assuming it’s a multi-mode light?
 
Jerzsubbie said:
I would need to get an 80L ruck for that... followed by a chiropractor.
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qk44307u2ox21.jpg
 
So my buyout bag is big and is NOT an EDC pack. It's honestly my 'camping' bag. As noted earlier, I would be 'bugging in' (previously), so if I were grabbing this in serious situation, I'm likely good as dead given what resources and fortifications I had left. This would be last ditch effort to see what a few days out could do for me. It's also part of a 'system'.

  • USMC ILBE MARPAT Maine Pack - (Inside)
    • Fleece (X2)
    • Diapers (far too many sizes too old---oops)
    • wool socks (X4)
    • Underarmor cold gear shirt
    • Underarmor hot gear shirt
    • T-shirt (x2)
    • Fleece lined pants
    • Med Kit (general purpose ~150 item variety)
      • Supplemented w/
        • QuiKclot Sponge - Large
        • QuikClot sponge - Small (X2)
        • QuiKClot Dressing
        • Liquid Bandage
        • iOSAT
        • tourniquet (X2)
        • Wound sealing patches
    • Bottled water (X4)
    • Baby bottle (no longer needed)
    • Water purification tablets - bottle (X2)
    • LifeStraw water purifier
    • Headlamps w/ batteries in package (X4)
    • ziplock bag of assorted packaged foods (due for turnover)
    • Deodorant stick
    • Toothbrush and toothpaste -travel kit (unopened)
    • Thermometer - digital
    • Lighter fluid
    • Magnesium fire starter
    • Remington backpack (rolled up -to be used as smaller pack if needed)
    • Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie Knife
    • Knife sharpener
    • Emergency blankets (x4)
    • Poncho (x4)
    • Hand warmer pairs (x6)
    • Plenty of room for things I must have taken out and never put back in (Duraflame starters, Cookware, misc)

  • USMC ILBE MARPAT Lid - (Inside)
    • Lifestraw
    • Carabiners (x6)
    • Multi-tool
    • Waterproof matches
    • lighter (x2)
    • Lightweight gloves
    • Heavy gloves
    • Poncho
    • glow sticks (x8)
    • pencil and paper
    • compass
    • Plenty of room for more

  • USMC ILBE MARPAT Maine Pack - (Outside)
    • Sleeping bag
    • Sleeping mat
    • Tent
    • Optional - shotgun/rifle + fishing pole

This pack would also be taken with a 20mm ammo can labeled 'bug out box', a .30 cal plastic ammo can labeled 'batteries' and situation depending, another plastic container labeled 'CBRN' with 40mm NATO filters, protective garments, more iOSAT packets and 22lr handgun (in event others I brought with me contaminated).
 
I recently picked up a Vertx Gamut 2.0 to be my “EDC bag”. Not so much for firearms, although it can do that well also, this is mainly to carry stuff that I use daily or may need in a light SHTF/need to get home type situation. I have to say, this bag is very well laid out and sturdy. I chose this bag because Vertx bags are built to look like commuter style bags and not tactical at all, very much the “gray man” type.

I’m a bit of a “gear queer” and own several nice bags, from large LBT Alice frame rucks to Deuter hiking bags and Eberelstock discreet weapon carry bags. I have to this bag ranks right up there with all of them as far as quality and how sturdy it feels. There is a semi-discreet panel in the back that unzips to a panel where you can use their Tactigmai to affix holsters for pistols and mags or whatever. There is also a slot in the back that accepts a soft armor panel, which a company called Premier Armor, makes panels specifically sized for Vertx bags.

https://vertx.com/gamut-2-0-backpack
 
Derek8404 said:
I recently picked up a Vertx Gamut 2.0 to be my “EDC bag”. Not so much for firearms, although it can do that well also, this is mainly to carry stuff that I use daily or may need in a light SHTF/need to get home type situation. I have to say, this bag is very well laid out and sturdy. I chose this bag because Vertx bags are built to look like commuter style bags and not tactical at all, very much the “gray man” type.

I’m a bit of a “gear queer” and own several nice bags, from large LBT Alice frame rucks to Deuter hiking bags and Eberelstock discreet weapon carry bags. I have to this bag ranks right up there with all of them as far as quality and how sturdy it feels. There is a semi-discreet panel in the back that unzips to a panel where you can use their Tactigmai to affix holsters for pistols and mags or whatever. There is also a slot in the back that accepts a soft armor panel, which a company called Premier Armor, makes panels specifically sized for Vertx bags.

https://vertx.com/gamut-2-0-backpack
Click to expand...

Are we related? I use a Vertx for my work/EDC pack. And I know we both have Eberlestock’s for AR pistols. I would need a little time to gather all my packs for a film session.
 
"What do you guys think?"
your GHB resembles mine in size and contents.

"Any glaring gaps or easy things that could be improved that I may not have thought about?"
already full water bottles? mine has two mesh pockets on the side to hold 'em.
as mentioned above: plastic (Zip-Loc?) gallon bags.
hard candy. no actual "food".
DUCT TAPE.
 
CZfool68 said:
Are we related? I use a Vertx for my work/EDC pack. And I know we both have Eberlestock’s for AR pistols. I would need a little time to gather all my packs for a film session.
Click to expand...

hahah, possibly. My wife told me that I have too many Bags and flashlights. Obviously I had to order 2 more “EDC lights” since I got a new bag...
 
turkeydance said:
"What do you guys think?"
your GHB resembles mine in size and contents.

"Any glaring gaps or easy things that could be improved that I may not have thought about?"
already full water bottles? mine has two mesh pockets on the side to hold 'em.
as mentioned above: plastic (Zip-Loc?) gallon bags.
hard candy. no actual "food".
DUCT TAPE.
Click to expand...
I also carry a roll of clear waterproof Gorilla Glue tape in mine. It patches torn clothing , tarps, anything.
 
I keep a tactical briefcase in my vehicle. Has basic stuff in it like flashlight, knife, strap cutter, lighter, small 9mm pistol, IFAK, space pen, write in rain pad, etc. Surprisingly to me, the IFAK gets the most use. Seems my older shootings buds are always getting boo boos and I'm always getting bug bites and stings. Some sort of after Bite stick has come in very handy.
 
I forgot wet wipes. Those are a life saver.

also something I did when I was using an ILBE main pack as my GHB was divide it’s contents into categories(those bags don’t have shit for pockets), and I got several different sized reusable vacuum sealed bags sorted everything into those bags and vacuum sealed them down. Makes bigger things (clothes) take up way less space. Like these

https://www.harborfreight.com/vacuum-storage-bags-set-of-three-61242.html
 
This won’t surprise anyone here I hope, BUT, none of us are getting any younger. Bad backs, knees, shoulders and just overweight, out of shape middle to older agers ain’t gunna be carrying a 40 plus pound pack! Yeah, I’ve got one stuffed in the truck. Yeah, it’ll be useful if I get laid up or overnight somewhere. But I’m under no illusions that if the SHTF that I’m slinging that pack and my weapons, ammo, water, and hauling ass to the high country, on foot! 10-15 years ago, maybe. I’ve come to the conclusion that smaller is better.
 
Hammer21b said:
This won’t surprise anyone here I hope, BUT, none of us are getting any younger. Bad backs, knees, shoulders and just overweight, out of shape middle to older agers ain’t gunna be carrying a 40 plus pound pack! Yeah, I’ve got one stuffed in the truck. Yeah, it’ll be useful if I get laid up or overnight somewhere. But I’m under no illusions that if the SHTF that I’m slinging that pack and my weapons, ammo, water, and hauling ass to the high country, on foot! 10-15 years ago, maybe. I’ve come to the conclusion that smaller is better.
Click to expand...

For me you hit the nail on the head. Old age sucks! I’m in process of reducing down to just some basics for water, fire, cordage, knife, leatherman, folding handsaw, headlamp, compass, a few protein bars and first aid. With those items and what I can manage to scavenge up I should be able to make temporary shelter and some food to get me where I’m going.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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Done these threads a few times over the years. When home I drive a long bed 1/2 truck with a tool box on the back. Used to have to drive to Fayetteville from the coast 3x/week, which was a 2 hr one way trip. Inside there is a medium ALICE pack that I've loaded up with used USGI field gear that I used to have. All items have been tested during deployments around the world so I know the stuff works and how to use it.

That said, learn and use the items that you pack. The L in the word SURVIVAL stands for Learn the basic skills. Only thing I swap out is perishables like food and water.


CD
 
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Average Joe said:
For me you hit the nail on the head. Old age sucks! I’m in process of reducing down to just some basics for water, fire, cordage, knife, leatherman, folding handsaw, headlamp, compass, a few protein bars and first aid. With those items and what I can manage to scavenge up I should be able to make temporary shelter and some food to get me where I’m going.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
This is more of my line of thought. There are plenty of “nice to haves” but I’d prefer to go light and compact while improvising and using multi-use items. I also enjoy the challenge of going lightweight and testing that gear out to see if my plan/assumptions were crazy.
 
Combat Diver said:
Done these threads a few times over the years. When home I drive a long bed 1/2 truck with a tool box on the back. Used to have to drive to Fayetteville from the coast 3x/week, which was a 2 hr one way trip. Inside there is a medium ALICE pack that I've loaded up with used USGI field gear that I used to have. All items have been tested during deployments around the world so I know the stuff works and how to use it.

That said, learn and use the items that you pack. The L in the word SURVIVAL stands for Learn the basic skills. Only thing I swap out is perishables like food and water.


CD
Click to expand...
A couple years ago when I was Active, I could do anything. Now not so much. I still get around good but the knees are going fast!
 
Combat Diver said:
That said, learn and use the items that you pack
Click to expand...
I need to try out more of the stuff in my packs. I can make fire and cook things, but maybe I need to sling up the hammock and see if I can actually get my butt up in it. Or set up the tent, perhaps? LOL.
 
Millie said:
I need to try out more of the stuff in my packs. I can make fire and cook things, but maybe I need to sling up the hammock and see if I can actually get my butt up in it. Or set up the tent, perhaps? LOL.
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For a pack like that, id get an emergency tent and blanket. They’re small and lightweight and don’t take up much room.
 
Burt Gummer said:
emergency tent
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I have one of those Tact Bivy things, will that do...never tried that out, either. lol.

I need to drag the packs out and go thru them soon. Ideally, I'd like someone with actual survival skills to go over them with me and tell me what's good and what isn't about what I've put together.
I know a guy like that, but he has no time in his life to do this for me! lol. One of those guys you can drop in a swamp or a desert or the woods, and give him a spoon and a piece of string, and he can build you a town, one of those guys! lol.
 
Average Joe said:
For me you hit the nail on the head. Old age sucks! I’m in process of reducing down to just some basics for water, fire, cordage, knife, leatherman, folding handsaw, headlamp, compass, a few protein bars and first aid. With those items and what I can manage to scavenge up I should be able to make temporary shelter and some food to get me where I’m going.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Old age sucks - absolutely!

If anyone mentioned it I apologize but medications, at least for my old ass, are necessary!

I have moderate hypertension, a Vitamin I addiction that's many years old too.

I try to plan on 4-5 days. Just an old boy scout here!
 
Millie said:
I have one of those Tact Bivy things, will that do...never tried that out, either. lol.

I need to drag the packs out and go thru them soon. Ideally, I'd like someone with actual survival skills to go over them with me and tell me what's good and what isn't about what I've put together.
I know a guy like that, but he has no time in his life to do this for me! lol. One of those guys you can drop in a swamp or a desert or the woods, and give him a spoon and a piece of string, and he can build you a town, one of those guys! lol.
Click to expand...


You probably live very close to a containment area with more of those types than anywhere I can think of.
 
MLS2 said:
You probably live very close to a containment area with more of those types than anywhere I can think of.
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Yes, I do, but I only know the one guy with skills! lol. He's not "contained," but just busy.

I can hardly rock up at Bragg and ask for a guy with skills to go over my go bag with me, can I?

And I can't carry a gun there, so I won't be going there.....lol. (Unless I find a skills guy, that is.)
 
Millie said:
Yes, I do, but I only know the one guy with skills! lol. He's not "contained," but just busy.

I can hardly rock up at Bragg and ask for a guy with skills to go over my go bag with me, can I?

And I can't carry a gun there, so I won't be going there.....lol. (Unless I find a skills guy, that is.)
Click to expand...
They may think that you’re hunting a husband!
 
Millie said:
Oh, Lordy, that's the last thing I want. I had one of those, and eventually had to make his Mom come and take him away! lol.
Click to expand...
Yeah, there’s a “No return” policy on my kids!
 
Have a GHB that, I think, is set up for a 20 mile walk, if needed.
Some food, water items (silcock key, purification tabs), gloves, spare socks, extra batteries for light, a mora knife, a leatherman, some paracord, space blanket, esbit stove with tablets, some firestarting items (2 kinds of tinder, matches, ferro rod), duct tape, electrical tape, one of those 'survival guide' books that teaches basic FAK and knots etc etc.
That might be it.

I made it ,originally, 6 years ago when I had to drive to work and it was going to snow that day. I didnt want to be uncomfortable if I were to get stuck on the highway for 18 hours, like what happened the week before down in Atlanta.
I am not expecting any SHTF scenario, I just want to be able to get home should my car get stuck and Im unable to catch a ride or something.

What isnt in the bag, there are things always on me/in the car - leatherman, pistol and extra mag, water and reusable bottle, usually other snacks (granola or Clif bar etc), a book (typically history, keep me occupied if I had to wait for a while), extra hoodie and beanies, flashlight.
Usually have a pack of some kind in the car for personal/daily use - it in might be some water/beverage, wet wipes, pens/paper, a spare tee and maybe a pair of shorts/athletic pants
There is a FAK in the car, a collapsible baton/aft, and typically a hockey stick lol

Again, I put together something that I think could actually happen, not a crazy EMP attack and here I am in Going Home series killing bad guys and hunting for deer with my radio antennae etc
There will be no zombie apocalypse, no gun fight that I'll be getting in, nothing wild. I just want to be able to get home from a short commute if it were bad weather.
 
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