The Get Home Bag or Kit...

Apparently the new craze is the GHB of Get Home Bag...one of our members over at ICCF sent me a few links to these and yes, the idea makes a helluva lot more sense than the undoubtedly Jeremiah Johnson inspired BOB or Bug Out Bag concept as was discussed in this thread Bug Out Bag (BOB) Thoughts and Considerations.

One thing that always sticks out in my mind's eye regarding that infamous Tuesday, September 11 2001 was the masses of people trying to get off Manhattan Island. They were totally unprepared, walking in that heat, many in office attire, which is not conducive to comfortable urban hiking.

Your get home kit has to be tailored completely for you and your situation. You cannot buy a one-size-fits-all type. Make the kit up yourself it is not rocket science. Oh and remember, you are simply attempting to walk home from work or school, not trek the Amazon basin for a month, so keep it simple. I have seen “experts” come up with various levels of kits which, to me, is absolutely absurd. There's one decision to make and that's “can I walk home or not?” and one level of bag/kit, the walking home level. What's needed is a list of considerations and suggested items so you can decide on what you need. I'll assume you already are carrying a handgun and pocket knife, if not, what the hell is wrong with you.

Here's goes and ideas are always welcomed.

Things to consider...(in no particular order):

• Keep things to the absolute bare minimum; this cannot be emphasized enough.
• How far are you from home? This is probably the number one consideration.
• Can I get home? Only a fool would attempt a walk home in a blizzard, hurricane, or through a riot.
• If you don't have a walking route planned do so and remember, have alternate routes planned as well.
• You should have a copy at home for family members to consult in case you need to be searched for.
• The important thing is to have the kit/bag near you at all times, the closer the better.
• Where will these items be kept?
• You car would probably be the number one place however, if you commute via public transportation, or simply work far away from your parking spot, you may want a duplicate kit in your office.
• Don't forget seasonal items.
• The “bag” needn't be a backpack as you will only carry it as far as necessary. The only item which should probably have a shoulder strap should be your water container (canteen).
• Consider an alternate mode of transportation, i.e. a collapsible bicycle* perhaps?
• The average person will walk at approximately 3 miles per hour.**

Possible “get home” items...

• Comfortable walking shoes (broken in) and socks.
• Water receptacle (kept fresh & filled).
• Map with route and alternates marked.
• Seasonal clothing.
• A cap. There's nothing more uncomfortable than the sun, rain, or wind beating down upon your bare head and you don't want to be encumbered with an umbrella.
• Small flashlight with spare batteries.
• Cash.
• NIOSH approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators.
• Snacks.
  

By the way, use your head and think things through. Consider you own physical shape, take your time, and rest often. Remember Aesop's fable of the Tortoise and the Hare...

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*Depending upon your individual circumstances you may be able to stash a collapsible bike to use in an emergency. As an example, this bike is $130.00, has 6-speed speeds, a 20-inch folding frame, and weighs only 30-pounds. This sure beats walking...

**This undoubtedly assumes a reasonably healthy person, with decent clothes and shoes, on good level terrain, and in nice weather. So, don't bet on 3 mph as the average pace you will make on your journey.

Take care and stay safe,
Joe Doakes aka Kilogulf59
Integrated Close Combat Forum