Surviving Emergencies: Essential Items for Your Go-Bag
Summary
Are you prepared for any emergency situation that may occur? In this article, we discuss the essential items that should be included in your go-bag, or emergency preparedness kit. We cover topics such as the type of backpack to use, sleeping arrangements, food and water, self-defense tools, and other miscellaneous items that will be beneficial in a survival situation. We also highlight the importance of adjusting the weight of your kit and carrying capacity depending on the number of people involved.
Table of Contents
- Backpack Setup and Sleeping Arrangements
- Water, Food, and Cooking
- Self Defense and Miscellaneous Items
- Clothing and Adjusting the Weight of Your Kit
Introduction
Emergencies can happen at any moment, and it is best to be prepared for them beforehand. During an emergency situation, you may be forced to rely solely on the items in your go-bag, or emergency preparedness kit. This is why it is crucial to have your go-bag set up and ready to grab when needed.
Q&A
Backpack Setup and Sleeping Arrangements
What type of backpack should be used for a go-bag?
We recommend using a hiking backpack like the Gregory Baltoro 75-liter backpack. This backpack has enough space to carry all your essential items, and its sturdy design can handle different weather conditions.
What type of sleeping arrangements are ideal for an emergency situation?
A real tent like the REI Half Dome 2, a sleeping bag, and a Therm-a-Rest Neo Air All Season S are best for sleeping arrangements. The REI Half Dome 2 is durable and can withstand different weather conditions. The sleeping bag should be rated for 20-degree weather and must be made of high-quality materials such as down or synthetic fabrics. The Therm-a-Rest Neo Air All Season S is an excellent choice for sleeping in different weather conditions as it is lightweight and can easily fit in a backpack.
Water, Food, and Cooking
How much water should be carried in a go-bag?
It is recommended to carry at least three liters of water per person per day. This amount may vary depending on the climate, the person’s activity level, and other factors that may affect hydration.
What type of food should be included in a go-bag?
Freeze-dried meals or dried beans and rice are both excellent choices. These can last for an extended period and do not require refrigeration.
What type of cookware set and stove should be used for cooking in an emergency situation?
The MSR Alpinist II cookware set is a sturdy cooking set that includes a pot, frying pan, and other basic cookware. The MSR Dragonfly stove is an efficient and reliable stove to use for cooking food.
Self Defense and Miscellaneous Items
What type of self-defense tools should be included in a go-bag?
Carrying a knife is essential for self-defense and general use. A stun gun and a slingshot are also crucial tools to have in case of an emergency. A fishing rod can also be useful for catching food.
What other miscellaneous items should be included in a go-bag?
Duct tape, paracord, a PacTowel Persona, a Midland Compact Emergency Crank Radio, a compass like the Brunton TrueArc, and cash are all important items to include in a go-bag.
Clothing and Adjusting the Weight of Your Kit
What type of clothing should be included in a go-bag?
Layers are key to ensuring you can adapt to different weather conditions. Synthetic fabrics or wool should be used instead of cotton as they dry faster and retain heat even when wet. Sturdy hiking boots are also crucial.
Is it necessary to adjust the weight of your kit based on the number of people and their carrying capability?
Yes. It is important to adjust the weight of your kit to ensure everyone can carry their load. This can be done by distributing heavy items evenly or delegating certain items to specific individuals with the necessary strength to carry them.
Conclusion
Being prepared for emergencies is essential, and having a go-bag ready is an essential step. Ensuring your go-bag includes the necessary items such as a sturdy backpack, sleeping arrangements, food and water, self-defense tools, miscellaneous items, and appropriate clothing, will put you in a better position to handle any emergency situation that may arise. Always be sure to adjust the weight and contents of your go-bag based on the number of people involved, their carrying capability, and the specific emergency situation.
