The following items are merely suggestions to consider. You must critically evaluate your own needs and environment to determine what items are essential and which are irrelevant to your unique situation.
The short notice bag should always be ready-to-go. Think if you had to evacuate your home in a single minute and this bag was all you could grab, what would you want in it. I have built my Evac Bag with the mindset of going into a permissible and friendly environment, think approaching forest fire or train derailment carrying nasty chemicals. This is different than a true bug-out bag where I’m building around a non-permissible or hostile environment. I still have a handgun in my Evac Bag but the rest of the choices are about comfort, food, and landing on my feet for a few days at most.
ALL BOLD GREEN ITEMS ARE CLICKABLE
Every kit should have a minimum of two sources of light, one main and one small backup. If you are building for a family, you may naturally need more.
Mid-Size Flashlight – Zoomable and uses four AA batteries (10 hours on low). Keep it accessible and with at least one set of spare batteries.
Keychain or “Button” size Flashlight – I keep one on my car keys and one on the outside or just inside the flap of every pack I own. Great for kids. Batteries last about 10-12 hours, batteries (CR2016) are replaceable but a little expensive. Cheap, just over a dollar a piece.
Remember this is a quick grab and go in a friendly environment. Water is 8.3lbs per gallon so consider weight. I keep a bottle for every person in the family. Those water bottles are not the cheap Costco/Walmart ones, I buy the expensive fancy water from the grocery store…why? The bottles are incredible thick and durable. I can drop my pack or lean against it without fear of bursting a cheap thin bottle. Easy to replace every inspection cycle too.
“Nalgene” style bottle - You can keep this full or empty whatever makes most sense in your situation. It is about having a sturdy refillable container.
Filtered Version - Remember most of these style bottles only remove bad taste, sand, dirt, etc. but does not make unsafe water safe to drink. Great for hotels, campgrounds, etc. where water is safe but taste is horrible.
Portable water purifier – if you live more rural or question the safety of the water you need to consider a more robust water filter. This one filters down to the virus and bacteria level. We have used these to drink right from the local streams when adventuring.
I did not title this food for a reason. Most emergency rations are not meant for pleasurable dining or a healthy diet, they are meant for energy and survival calories until you can get to real nourishing food. Be mindful of expiration dates and items staying sealed from moisture and critters.
SOS Rations – I personally use these in my kits and vehicles. They have a mild coconut taste and are palatable. Packed with calories, sugar, and a 5-year shelf life. Dense and pretty dry like a compressed oatmeal so you’re going to need lots of water, or you won’t poop for days.
Small Bars - I have had these in my packs before and they are decent. 5-year shelf life, heavy vacuum foil, heat stable and 400 calories per bar. You can also go to your local sporting goods store and find countless other choices. Consider durability of the wrapper and shelf life and for gosh sakes buy a couple extra and try them. We have stumbled across a couple brands my dogs wouldn’t eat.
Favorite Snack - If your choice of survival food is a Snickers bar or Clif Bar then pack a couple! Think what a fussy kid or spouse with a sensitive stomach may be better off with. During a real evacuation handing a scared child their favorite snack could be a game changer for them. Pay attention to expiration dates when you inventory!
Your climate and local environment are the pivotal factor in the following decisions. You may have extreme seasons to consider like we do in the Northwest. My inventory time for all my go gear is Spring and Fall…why? So I can change out the clothing and jackets as well as some other gear for the season change. Make certain your clothing is clean, serviceable, and dry before you roll it up and stuff it in a bag for 6 months.
Starting Advice – This is not a fashion show. Use worn but functional clothing you already own if it works. Shop thrift stores and garage sales. I can’t emphasize this enough. I can spend a few dollars at a thrift store and come out with a jacket, sweatshirt, jeans, belt, maybe even a backpack or duffle bag too! I personally select nondescript clothing in all my choices. Subdued colors with no flashy graphic designs or logos. I want to blend in and be a “Gray Man” if needed.
Cheap Rain Poncho – Extreme light weight emergency ponchos that will last a week or so of wear. 5 pack will cover the whole family. They also make these in bright orange and camo if your need fits.
Rain Jacket- I love my Columbia rain jacket and use it for my everyday wear. However, it will not fit over a backpack like a poncho will. Also, kinda pricey to just stuff in a backpack you hopefully will never use. https://amzn.to/3pzmn1o
Warmth - I’m not going to give any specific recommendations here as there are just too many factors. Buy for what works in your climate. I’m always cold so I go a little heavy on the warmth choices, but you do you.
Socks and Skivvies – At least one or two clean durable pair of socks and underwear per person and no I won’t buy these at the thrift store, that’s crossing my hygiene line eww.
Shoes – Know your terrain. Would hiking or trail boots be a smarter choice then running shoes? Be sensible about your choice and tie a serviceable pair of appropriate shoes to the outside of your pack. After all you may be evacuating your home in bare feet in the middle of the night.
Shirts – Long, short, or both. I personally keep one short and one long sleeve rolled up.
Work Gloves – I have some awesome tactical high-quality gloves, but this may not be the place for them. Keep it simple and blend in. A basic pair of black mechanics gloves that are touch screen capable. You may have to move debris on the road or clear a broken windshield from hail damage.
Hooded Sweatshirt – A personal choice of mine. A simple dark gray zip up hoodie for all seasons. It’s not very heavy weight and rolls up decent in size. The hood is a must for me for warmth or stealth.
Jeans or Pants - Consider you may be doing some walking so whatever you choose, take them out for day hike to ensure they don’t rub or sit weird on you. Comfortable basic jeans are my choice. I want to be able to fit into a friendly environment without feeling out of place like a pair of camo hunting pants would be for me at a nice restaurant.
Hat – I keep a simple generic baseball cap clipped to the outside of my pack. A warm, cold-weather hat is inside my pack during winter months. I have a hat for my wife too, she fears the middle of the night crazy hair during an evacuation.
Carefully think of your environment and regional culture you live in. What level of defensive tools do you need to feel safe? Is a pocketknife and pepper spray sufficient? Or do you want a firearm as well?
Inexpensive Pocket Knife – This is an always choice for me. Handy for a thousand reasons besides a defensive tool. I recommend a pocket clip style pocketknife as a minimum for every bag. I use this Smith &Wesson knife for this purpose. It is a decent size, has a strong spring clip, and its cheap so I can put one with all my bags and I’m not going to fuss if I lose it.
Pepper Spray - Another always choice in my go bags. Keep it ultra-convenient so you can transfer it to your body as soon as you get a chance. Ensure it has the ability to lock out the firing mechanism, so you don’t spray your own pack rummaging through it for a candy bar. I like the Sabre brand as they have a water practice canister. Trust me your spouse will thoroughly enjoy spraying you in the face and you won’t lose your dignity like the real stuff!
Handgun – A handgun has its place during evac and carefully consider if you want it in your evac checklist. Firearms come with real responsibility during an evac. I have an old Glock 17 that is worn and ugly in every way but it works flawlessly. Yes, it is heavy, and the two extra mags and holster add to the weight of the pack but I call it as a needed item for me and my family. The handgun in its holster and the extra mags are stored in a soft pistol case. I can easily pull this out of my pack if I have an extra minute and replace it with my every day carry pistol the Hellcat RDP.
Being in a friendly environment during evac makes shelter considerations typically less critical. If you feel you need to pack a tent then certainly do so. I do not. I know dozens of close neighbors and friends across the Northwest where I and my family can bed down with no notice knock on the door. There is nothing wrong with packing shelter if you and your situation make it a smart choice. My favorite shelter that is only 2.6 pounds is the Snugpak Ionosphere. There are cheaper options and family size options as well.
At a minimum have a small first aid kit available. Consider small cuts from broken glass or banged up body parts from a clumsy evac at 2 in the morning. Here is an easy choice for minor first aid
Medications - If you require medication then keep a sufficient supply in your pack. I use a fly fishing lure box just like this generic one made for pills it is small and hard plastic to protect the pills from getting squished, but it is not waterproof so I keep it in a Ziploc. Consider pain killers, allergy medicine, and anything in your home med cabinet you might need.
I recommend a small bag or Ziploc to put all your hygiene items in. It will help keep them sanitary and organized. I use the little trial samples or travel size items when I can. Think of everyone this kit might support and what you need to be clean and hygienic for at least a few days. If you have a larger family, consider making individual bags for every person.
TP – At least one roll squished flat in smashed in a Ziploc. Wet wipes are a consideration as well.
Kleenex – For some a necessity. I just use a piece of toilet paper.
Cell Phone Charger – The right cords for your current phones and any electronics you are packing. Or you can buy one cord that does it all.
Reading Glasses – Once I passed 40 my reading vision went away faster than tasered rabbit. I can’t honestly even read a map and compass without glasses. For me, it is a truly critical item. I bought folding readers that come in a little black hard case. These have saved me countless times. Don’t forget about contact wearers who need solution and spare contacts!
Little Black Book – I know these are a thing of the past but bring it back for your evac bag. You absolutely need important phone numbers and addresses written down on real paper in your kit. You may lose your phone, forget to grab it, or it may fall and break during the evac. None of us have more than one or two numbers memorized anymore. I keep all my info in a waterproof notebook. Plus, it gives you the ability to take notes or leave messages behind.
Fire - Keep it simple with a gas station Bic lighter. No need for fancy survival methods, just a cheap lighter. However, I always augment my lighter with a Exotac waterproof case. A Ziploc will work too. I wet lighter will do you no good.
Batteries – Look through your gear and see what needs battery power. Have at least one set of spares for anything that requires them.
Family Handheld Radios – Debate if handheld FRS radios or walkie talkies are needed for your situation. You may get split up or need to split up and cell service may be down in natural disasters. Midland makes decent and inexpensive radios just for this. The X-talker line is great for these needs. Almost all come with a rechargeable battery but make sure you can also run these off regular AA or AAA batteries. I keep a set in a Ziploc with spare AAA batteries in case the rechargeable is dead.
Woobie – Yes, the much-loved blanket and yes Woobie is the nickname used in the military. They are officially a poncho liner but we all know they are a comfort item. You can buy these from a military surplus store or just roll up an old blanket of your own. The cheap flannel lap blankets from Walmart are also a great choice. Some of the blankets like this one even have a stuff sack so you can clip or strap them to the outside of your gear saving internal space.
Whistle – An emergency whistle for each pack is smart thinking. This is highly recommended for kids packs if they become separated or need help. Plug your ears when testing these out, they are crazy loud.
Ziplocs – A few spare Ziplocs can be used for garbage, foraging, food storage, etc. For as much as they weigh its always worth it to stash a few.
Radio – A small pocket radio with NOAA weather bands is part of my gear. Make sure it can use normal AA or AAA batteries and have a set of extras on hand. It’s great for a little music entertainment too.
Face masks – I know, I know, we are already past our limit of wearing face masks, but this is really for your safety. Destruction areas after a storm can have countless airborne industrial hazards. A N95 mask or two per pack is not a bad decision but know its limitations.
Prescriptions – Your First Aid or Hygiene kit will have a limited supply of what you need but what happens after that? Keep a list of your medication names and dose, doctors name and number, pharmacy of choice, insurance, etc. This should be written down on a page in your notebook or printed on paper and tucked away safely.
Body warmers – Air activated hand or body warmers are worth their weight in a cold environment. I find these are great to keep kids content or get warm enough to fall asleep. I also keep these in my vehicle kits in case I need to spend the night in my truck.
Cash – There is no correct amount, but I recommend a couple hundred per day you may be displaced. Look at 3 meals per person per day, gas, hotel, etc. Cash is king and power and internet may be down so your handy credit card just wont work. Cash is quick and for now is accepted everywhere. Keep a discrete stash in a rolled-up sock or shirt. You may have left behind your wallet or purse in the evac and the cash you have on hand is it for a few days. Write your bank info and phone numbers in your notebook!
Local or Regional Maps - Marking your potential safe destinations and highlighting routes on a physical map is a solid plan. If you become ill or injured does your spouse or family know how to get to your friend’s house two hours away? What if cell service is down and trusty Google Maps is dead right when your forced into a detour.
Pet food – Yes, your pets need their own evac kit too. Collars, leashes, food, water, treats all need to be thought about.
Baby supplies – Diapers, wipes, clothes, special foods, and formulas. Clothes sizes change fast so make certain what you have packed will currently work for them.
Copies of important documents – Worst case is after a short notice evacuation; you have no home to come back to. What would you want a copy of to help you after your whole world has been reset. Passports, Birth Certificates, Banking and Investment contacts, Insurance company, contacts at your daily job.
Thumb drive or portable hard drive – A USB thumb drive in the appropriate size can hold copies of all your important documents, files and some photos. A 128GB drive for around $15 can hold about 18k pictures. . If that isn’t enough, you can use a 2TB drive for around $62 dollars to hold approximately 200k photos.
Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman – I have an embarrassing variety of these tools. For an evac bag I use the smaller REV Leatherman It’s also one of their less expensive models. Used for repairs and as a backup knife. I often find older models at garage sales too which work perfect for this setting.
