Essential Items to get you out of the shit! 

Get Home or
Get out

Unexpected crises can arise at any time, on the way home from work, on a great adventure or even on a local hike, this is when your trusty Get-Home Bag and Go Bag come into play.  Each serves a unique purpose, tailored to distinct survival scenarios, but the core essentials remain the same: hydration, food, warmth, and mobility. Aim to have enough to survive a minimum of 3 days. 

Hydration: Water is your top priority. Both bags should include a reliable water filtration system, water is life. You can only survive 3 days without water. Pack compact water filter such as Lifestraw or purification tablets. Packing a ready-to-drink drink is also a good idea. Since cans have a long shelf life, choose a beverage you don’t particularly enjoy to avoid being tempted to drink it before you need to, of course the drawback is weight. Constantly verify and replace the sell-by dates. Maintaining hydration helps you think clearly and maintain your physical stamina.

Food: 3 weeks without food. While surviving in the wilderness or urban jungle, your energy levels need constant replenishment. Your Get-Home Bag should contain lightweight, high-energy snacks that require no preparation, like energy bars, chocolate or protein bars, these are great for shelf life. In contrast, your Go Bag should include longer-lasting, non-perishable foods such as dehydrated meals and canned goods like tuna. Don’t forget utensils and a portable stove for cooking.

Warmth: The cold kills more than the heat. Temperatures drop as night falls, so staying warm becomes a priority. Carry a emergency thermal blanket and spare clothing [Hat, gloves, warm top]. Fire-making equipment is a necessity, simple lighter or flint and steel can make a huge difference to your survival.

Mobility: In times of crisis, the ability to move quickly and efficiently can be a lifesaver. I suggest Choosing a strong but compact backpack as Your Get-Home Bag, it should contain a compact, lightweight survival toolset, including a mobile phone, multi-tool, torch/flashlight, and a reliable, fixed-blade knife. Go Bags, consider the inclusion of a a compact shovel, a Bivy bag and a rope for climbing or securing supplies.

Consider incorporating the aforementioned into your everyday carry (EDC). By focusing on hydration, food, warmth, and mobility, you’re not just preparing for survival – you’re equipping yourself with the tools to thrive in the face of adversity, whether it’s in the wilderness, urban terrain, or your everyday life.