Emergencies can happen without warning. That's where a go bag comes in. This portable kit is designed to prepare you for anything. Packed with survival essentials, a go bag is your peace of mind in uncertain times. It also contains everything you need to stay safe for up to 72 hours. But what exactly should you put in your go bag? Keep reading to find out.

What Is a Go Bag?

A go bag is a small, portable bag packed with essential items you need during an emergency. It’s designed to help you survive for at least 72 hours (three days) in case you need to leave your home quickly. This could happen during a natural disaster, fire, or civil crisis. 

The purpose of a go bag is simple: to be prepared. Whether you’re stuck in a storm, dealing with an earthquake, or facing a fire, your go bag makes sure you have the supplies you need. In short, it’s your “just in case” kit.

A GI (Government-Issue) bag often used by military personnel is a bit like a go bag. However, it’s more specialized. GI bags are standard-issue bags given to soldiers for carrying their gear. While a GI bag contains more tactical items suited for survival in the field, the idea is similar to a go bag—pack what you need to survive in an emergency.

Having a go bag is crucial because you never know when disaster will strike. It’s hard to predict when you have to leave in a hurry, so you should be prepared. Having everything you need in one spot also reduces stress, gives you peace of mind, and lets you focus on safety. Plus, a go bag is useful in different scenarios. Think about an earthquake shaking your house, and you can’t go back in. Or a wildfire forcing you to evacuate your neighborhood. 

Why Is a Go Bag Important?

Emergencies can strike at any moment. A go bag is a simple yet essential tool that prepares you when disaster hits. Find out why having a go bag makes a huge difference below: 

You’re Prepared

Emergencies can happen at any time. Whether it's a natural disaster, power outage, or fire, having a go bag makes sure you’re ready for anything. Plus, you don't have to panic because everything you need is in one place.

You Can Evacuate Quickly

A go bag is a lifesaver when you have to evacuate quickly. It has everything you need to survive for a few days, so you don’t have to worry about packing in a hurry. In addition, it lets you leave fast without forgetting anything. 

You Have Peace of Mind

Having a go bag gives you peace of mind. Knowing that you're prepared for an emergency reduces stress when the unexpected happens. You also don’t have to worry about having enough water, food, or other essentials. 

You’re Safe

A go bag contains survival gear that can help you navigate tough situations. If you get stuck or lost, your go bag helps you survive until help arrives. It’s not just about surviving; it’s also about staying comfortable and safe.

It’s for Everyone

A go bag isn’t just for one person. You could pack bags for each family member, including your children, pets, and the elderly. Prepare each bag based on the individual’s needs, with things like medications, baby supplies, and pet food. 

It’s Flexible

You can also customize your go bag based on the risks in your area. For instance, you could include waterproof gear in your bag if you live in a flood-prone city. You could also pack blankets and thick clothes if the climate is cold. In short, having a personalized go bag prepares you for any emergency. 

What to Put In Your Go Bag

A go bag is a crucial tool for emergencies. It’s a survival kit that you can grab and take with you in case of an emergency. The contents of your bag depend on your location, personal needs, and the type of risks in your area. Here is a detailed list of things to consider for your go bag: 

Food and Water

Nutrition is important, so make sure to include enough food and water for a few days. Here's what to pack:

• Water: Pack at least three bottles per person. You should also pack a refillable bottle for easy access to water.
• Water Filters or Purification Tablets: Some local water sources aren’t safe to drink, so bringing a purification system helps. It gets you clean water from rivers, lakes, or streams.
• Non-Perishable Snacks: High-energy, lightweight snacks like granola bars, nuts, or trail mix quickly give you energy. If you have extra space, consider packing canned goods, too. 

Money

Having access to funds during an emergency is important. Here's what you should pack:

• Cash: Pack cash (in bills) because ATMs may be down during an emergency.
• Credit Card: Keep at least one credit card for big purchases. Consider including copies of both sides in case the original gets lost.
• Debit Card: Pack at least one debit card in case stores don’t accept credit cards or you need more cash. 

Medical Supplies 

Your health should also be a priority during an emergency. Consider packing the following items:  

• Prescription Medication: Bring at least a three-day supply of medications and copies of your prescriptions. Doing this makes sure you don’t run out of medicine during a crisis.
• Over-the-Counter Medicines: Pack pain relievers and anti-diarrhea meds. They come in handy when you're away from medical services for a while. 
• First Aid Kit: Bring a small kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape. They’ll be useful for treating minor injuries until you get professional help. 
• Medical Insurance: Keep copies of your insurance and identification cards to help with treatment or identification if needed.
• Face Masks: Bring some in case the air gets contaminated or viral outbreaks occur. 

Important Documents

You’ll need easy access to important documents during an emergency. Store them in a waterproof, sealed plastic bag to keep them safe. Here’s what you need to pack: 

• Identification Cards: Include your driver’s license, school ID, or any other form of government-issued identification.
• Other Essential Documents: pack birth certificates, marriage certificates, and medical records. Keep copies of these documents in case you need to deal with legal and medical matters.

Communication Devices and Information

Staying connected during an emergency is crucial to your survival. Consider packing the following items:

• Phone: Your phone is a lifesaver. Include a charger and a power bank in case you can’t find a regular power source. 
• Radio: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio keeps you updated during a crisis.
• Emergency Contacts: Write down a list of important phone numbers or store them in your phone. 

Clothing and Personal Items

You might be facing a crisis, but that doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable. Pack these items to stay clean even if you're on the move: 

• Shoes: Sturdy and comfortable shoes will help you move quickly if needed.
• Jacket: A jacket protects you from rain and cold weather.
• Extra Socks and Underwear: Pack a few extra pairs to stay dry and clean.
• Bandana or Scarf: This can warm you up when you’re cold. It also has other purposes, like covering your face or as a makeshift tourniquet.
• Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Don’t forget an extra pair. The last thing you want during an emergency is blurry vision. 
• Menstrual Products: Pack enough for at least three days if you can’t go to a store.
• Tissues and Wet Wipes: Bring them for proper hygiene, especially when no facilities are available.

Safety Gadgets

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by bringing the following items:

• Flashlight: A battery-powered flashlight is crucial when the power goes out. Make sure to bring extra batteries or a hand-crank flashlight.
• Personal Security Alarm: A personal alarm will help draw attention to your location if needed, especially if you’re in danger.
• Whistle: You can also use a loud whistle to call for help.
• Pepper Spray: Carrying pepper spray lets you defend yourself in case of an attack. It also buys you time to escape or ask for help.
• Fire Blanket: You might need fire during an emergency. A fire blanket puts out small fires because of cooking accidents.

Survival Gear

Packing extra items makes survival easier. Consider bringing the following items: 

• Multi-Tool: A multi-tool can help with many tasks, including opening cans and setting up a shelter.
• Lighter and Matches: Pack a waterproof lighter and matches in case you need to start a fire.
• Shelter: A lightweight survival poncho or a small tarp can give you shelter from the elements.
• Survival Bag: Bring a compact, lightweight survival bag that reflects your body heat to you. This helps prevent hypothermia, especially during cold months. 

Miscellaneous

Depending on your situation or the emergency you're preparing for, you might want to add these specific items:

• Pet Supplies: Don’t forget food, water, litter bags, and other supplies if you have pets. 
• Infant Supplies: Pack diapers, formula, and cleaning wipes if you have a baby. 
• Spare Keys: Bring an extra set of house and car keys with you. 
• Maps: Paper maps can be useful if you have no signal or GPS isn’t available.
• Games or Comfort Items: Pack a small item, like a game or stuffed animal, to keep your spirits up.

Go Bag Checklist

A go bag is your lifeline during emergencies. Here’s a complete checklist to make sure your go bag covers everything you need: 

Food and Water

• Water
• Water Filters or Purification Tablets
• Non-Perishable Snacks

Money

• Cash
• Credit Card
• Debit Card

Medical Supplies

• Prescription Medication
• Over-the-Counter Medicines
• First Aid Kit
• Medical Insurance
• Face Masks

Important Documents

• Identification Cards
• Other Essential Documents

Communication Devices and Information

• Phone
• Radio
• Emergency Contacts

Clothing and Personal Items

• Shoes
• Jacket
• Extra Socks and Underwear
• Bandana or Scarf
• Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
• Menstrual Products
• Tissues and Wet Wipes

Safety Gadgets

• Flashlight
• Personal Security Alarm
• Whistle
• Pepper Spray
• Fire Blanket

Survival Gear

• Multi-Tool
• Lighter and Matches
• Shelter
• Survival Bag

Miscellaneous

• Pet Supplies
• Infant Supplies
• Spare Keys
• Maps
• Games or Comfort Items

Go Bag vs. Bug Out Bag: What's the Difference?

A lot of people think that go bags and bug out bags are the same. While they both help you survive, they’re slightly different. Here are the differences between a go bag and bug out bag: 
1. Duration of Use

Go Bag: Designed for quick evacuation and short-term emergencies. It's meant to help you survive for 72 hours or less.

Bug Out Bag: Intended for long-term survival when you need to leave your home for an extended period. It’s built to support you in harsh conditions for at least 72 hours.

2. Size

Go Bag: Smaller, lightweight, and easier to carry. It contains essentials like food, water, a first aid kit, and clothing. It focuses more on portability.

Bug Out Bag: Larger and heavier. A bug out bag contains more gear, such as shelter materials, multi-tools, fire starters, and extra food and water. It focuses more on long-term survival.

3. When to Use

Go Bag: Grab this bag when you need to evacuate quickly. For instance, use it during a fire, flood, or evacuation order.

Bug Out Bag: Use this bag when you’re away from home for an extended period. Examples include civil unrest, devastating blizzards, huge tornadoes, or any scenario where you can’t quickly return home.

Here’s a summary of the differences between a go bag and bug out bag:

How Big Should Your Go Bag Be? 

Your go bag should be compact and easy to carry. A small or medium-sized bag will do. Something that fits all the essentials without weighing you down is perfect. You don't need a huge bag loaded with supplies for a community. 

Keep it simple and practical. Focus on the basics like food, water, first aid, and important documents. The idea is to have everything you need for a few days without overpacking. Remember, you'll need to move fast, so your go bag should be light enough to grab. 

How Much Money Should Be In a Go Bag?

How much money should be in your go bag depends on how much you’ll need to survive for a few days. For instance, if $50 can cover your basics for a day, you need at least $150. Gio bags are meant for 72 hours or three days, so multiply any daily amount by three. 

Having cash on hand is important because ATMs and card readers might not work during a crisis. So, bring enough money to cover essential expenses like food, transportation, and other purchases until you can return home. 

What Clothes Should Be In a Go Bag?

Here are the clothes that should be in a go bag: gloves, hats, socks, and underwear. Include a jacket for warmth, a poncho for shelter, and shoes for running. You’ll also need a shirt and pants. Don’t forget a bandana or scarf, which you can use as a face cover or makeshift tourniquet. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to build a go bag prepares you for any emergency. A well-packed go bag makes sure you have what you need to survive for a few days. Whether it's food, water, medical supplies, or personal items, a go bag helps you stay safe. By investing time in building your go bag, you’re taking a simple yet crucial step in securing your safety during unpredictable events.