Survival Gear: The Get-Home Bag

by
posted on February 3, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ice_F.jpg

If you own a gun, more than likely, one of its primary missions is to ensure the safety of you and your family until authorities arrive. Whether it’s an armed confrontation or winter weather, the mindset is the same-you are willing to take responsibility for your welfare until officials are on the scene and relieve you of those duties. “When seconds count, the cops are only minutes away” is the worn quip, but Georgia’s frozen freeway validated the statement.

Thankfully, I have not read about any assaults, robberies or muggings during the emergency. But, can you imagine being trapped on the freeway long enough that you ran out of gas, were forced to walk through some less-than-desirable areas, and that’s the day you decided not to carry concealed (if you have a permit)?

Many citizens have good intentions, and it showed when the weather besieged Atlanta. People extended a helping hand and companies like Home Depot opened their doors to stranded motorists.

However, you can’t count on others being willing to, or capable of, help you and your family. That’s why you need a get-home bag in your vehicle. A backpack with food, water, warm clothes and a hat would make an 18-hour overnighter on the freeway much more comfortable. And if you really needed to hike home, the trip will be safer.

Not everyone is capable of donning a backpack and hoofing it home. But a stuff sack or duffel bag will not tote as well, even if you’re only walking to a warm home-improvement store 200 yards away.

Therefore, I recommend you start with a backpack. Blackhawk’s STASH Pack is a good example and won’t break the bank.  Add water bottles, and whenever you check the air in your spare tire, change the water-it gets stale. Then comes food, and don’t exclusively pack junk food. Energy bars and granola bars keep better, anyway, and so does jerky.

You’re going to need a flashlight, and if you live in cold climates I can tell you from experience that metal versions can get painfully frigid. The SureFire G2X Pro has a Nitrolon body, so it’s pleasant to touch in freezing cold. This flashlight is a backup/emergency light, so you don’t have to buy the most expensive on the market, but it has to work, and possibly handle double duty as a handheld weaponlight if necessary. Add a small headlamp for those chores where you need both hands, like digging out of a ditch or changing a tire.

Finally add clothes. Remember that old wool hat you were going to toss away because it was ugly? Toss it in, along with similarly neglected shirt, socks, gloves and pants. Remember, it won’t be a fashion show, so don’t be afraid to buy surplus wool. Prepare your kit as if your life may temporary depend on its contents-because someday, it may.

You can also add Hothands hand warmers or other similar heating products. A basic first-aid kit is another good idea, although I keep mine in a separate pack for rapid deployment in case of an accident (and because there’s no reason to carry splints etc. all the way home if I do embark on a long hike). A spare magazine won’t hurt, along with matches and a candle.

Add all the things you deem essential, but bear in mind, you may be forced to carry it one day. Toss it into your vehicle and maintain the water and food so it’s fresh if (God forbid) you ever need it. Rotate the pack into the backseat during the winter so the heater thaws your water, send it into the trunk with the spare during the summer and, unlike finger-pointing politicians, you’ll be better prepared for the next unscheduled emergency.

Latest

Star Model B Ihtog 1
Star Model B Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

New For 2025: Kimber Next Generation 1911

For its latest M1911 offering, Kimber Mfg. borrowed design elements from its double-stack 2K11 pistol to create what it calls the Next Generation 1911.

Review: Charter Arms Double Dog

Charter Arms is an American gunmaker that has offered its own versions of compact, double-action revolvers at fair prices for more than 60 years.

Rifleman Q&A: Mysterious “Broomhandle” Bring-Back

"My favorite gun is inoperable, so I have not shot it. It is one of two weapons that my dad brought back from the Philippines after World War II, the other being a sword."

New Jersey Town Supports CCW With Fee Refund

The city of Englishtown, N.J., recently made a move to reduce that financial barrier, sparking widespread optimism that a statewide, even nationwide, trend may be on the horizon.

Review: Savage Arms Revel

Lever-action rifles have experienced a revival in recent years, and Savage Arms is getting in on the act with its Revel series rimfires. To understand it, you may have to read (backward) between the lines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.