Crafting the Ultimate Urban Get Home Bag: A Comprehensive Guide

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Urban Get Home Bag

Being prepared for any situation is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. One of the fundamental aspects of preparedness is having a well-equipped emergency bag. Commonly known as a "Get Home Bag," this portable survival kit is specifically tailored for urban environments where unexpected events can unfold rapidly. Drawing insights from multiple sources, we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you craft the ultimate Urban Get Home Bag.

Here are five YouTube videos by people that many in the prepping community consider experts in this field.  We've reviewed the content of their videos and combined their findings right here for your review.  Be sure to check them out and please watch them in their entirety--they all have profound details to offer.

Note: these are not the only qualified sources--we just stopped after these five.

Common Threads Amongst Experts:

Across various survival experts, a few consistent themes emerge:

  1. Firearms and Defense:  All experts unanimously agree on the need for personal protection.  In this blog, we choose not to discuss firearms in any detail.  Please refer to local experts for any legal matters and safety training on ownership and use.  
  2. First Aid and Medical Supplies:  First Aid is a crucial category. Every expert emphasizes the significance of a well-equipped first aid kit. This includes everything from bandages to trauma dressings, CPR masks, and tourniquets. Being able to address injuries swiftly can be a matter of life and death.
  3. Water, the Elixir of Life:  Drinking water is another shared focus. Water filters, bottles, purification tablets, and innovative tools like the silk cut key are vital for sourcing clean water, which is essential for survival.
  4. Versatility in Tools:  The category for tools covers versatile tools like multi-tools, folding knives, duct tape, and paracord. These items serve multiple purposes, from shelter construction to emergency repairs.

Differences in Approaches:

Shelter and Protection:  Shelter selection diverges slightly. Some experts suggest lightweight emergency tents, while others focus on compact options like bivy sacks and tarps. The choice often depends on the specific urban environment and potential weather conditions.

Communication and Power:  Items in this group variy based on experts. Signal flares, handheld radios, and solar chargers are common. Communication devices are essential for staying informed and coordinating with others in emergency situations.

Crafting Your Ultimate Urban Get Home Bag

Based on these expert insights, here's a comprehensive list of items to consider for your Urban Get Home Bag, categorized by their color codes:

  • Red - First Aid:  First aid kits, Medical supplies (bandages, antiseptics, etc.), Emergency medications,  Trauma dressings, CPR mask, Tourniquet, Scissors
  • Orange - Fire:  Lighters, Matches, Fire starters, Fuel sources (lighter fluid, firewood, etc.)
  • Blue - Water:  Water filters, Water bottles, Water treatment tablets, Camelbak (hydration system), Silcox key (for accessing water sources)
  • Green - Food:  Emergency food ration bars, Snack bars (Tonka bars, Kind bars, etc.), Peanut butter packets, Energy gels, Honey stinger waffles
  • Gray - Cooking:  Portable stoves, Cooking utensils, Mess kit, Aluminum foil (for cooking), Eating utensils
  • Brown - Shelter:  Emergency tent, Contractor garbage bag (can be used as shelter), Emergency blanket (Mylar), Tarps, Bivy sack
  • Yellow - Communication + Power:  Signal flares, Handheld marine signal flares, Whistle, Communication devices (two-way radios, cell phones), Batteries and power cells, Solar charger
  • Black - Tools and Tactical Items:  Multi-tool, Folding knife, Duct tape, Paracord, Zip ties, Tactical pen
  • Purple - Clothing:  Fleece hat, Work gloves, Wool socks, Bandana, Poncho, Safety vest
  • White - Hygiene:  Toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, Wet wipes, Hand sanitizer, Toilet paper, Soap
  • Pink - Personal:  Identification documents, Personal medications, Sentimental items
  • Miscellaneous Items:  Maps, Compass, Glow sticks, Cuff key, Land navigation tools (GPS, wrist compass)
  • Not Common in All Lists (Specialized or Unique Items):  Sewing and repair kit, Cash belt, Button compass, Recon wrap, Emergency blowout kit (Israeli dressing, compressed gauze, CAT tourniquet), Carabiners (for attaching gear), Tactical flashlight

Conclusion

Creating your Urban Get Home Bag requires careful consideration of your specific needs and environment. By combining the wisdom of multiple survival experts and understanding the unique aspects of each item, you can assemble a comprehensive and efficient survival kit. Remember, preparedness is not just about having the gear; it's about knowing how to use it effectively. Stay safe, stay prepared, and face any situation with confidence.

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