Go Bag List

Your Go Bag: Because “Winging It” Isn’t a Survival Strategy

A Go Bag is non-negotiable. You need at least three days’ worth of supplies, but let’s be real—your future self will thank you for packing more than just a six-pack of soda and a family-size bag of chips.

Figuring out what to pack can be overwhelming, so we’ve made it easy with this interactive checklist. We’ve categorized everything into essential, comfort, and bonus items—so you can prioritize, customize, and avoid lugging around a 400lb pack of “just in case” regrets.

Need more details? Check out our full guide to building the ultimate Go Bag.

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Essential

6,000 calories of non-perishable food but not all peanut butter per person

1 gallon of water per person (But keep it reasonable. Breaking your back with a 400lb Go Bag is counterproductive.)

Can opener

Crank-handle radio Introduce the youths to the first (and maybe only) radio they’ll ever see.

Hand crank lantern 1 per person

Compact first-aid kit

First aid reference book Try to at least skim it before it goes in the bag. Let’s learn how to save our own lives!

Compass We don’t assume you’re ready to live in the woods… but you might need it to get around.

Packing tape

Paper maps Another ancient artifact to mystify your younglings!

Paper and pencil(s) 1 per person

Copies of your important documents in a fire- and water-proof container Find what documents you’ll need in our Important Papers Checklist.

Zip top bags for waterproofing supplies Especially useful for gear stored in damp basements. Corrosion is the enemy.

Non-sparking wrench or pliers

Your prescription meds

Backpack (the actual Go-Bag!) A hip belt will make it easier to carry, and also make your celebratory hip-thrusting more exciting after you successfully escape danger.

Multitool with knife Never bring a spoon to a multitool fight… unless the spoon is part of your multitool.

Flashlight 1 per person (Extras are useful if your family is good at losing things.)

Whistle

Extra batteries 2+ per device

N95 Masks 3 per person

Emergency blankets 2 per person (These are small, but mighty. Don’t open them until you need them; they refuse to be tamed once unleashed.)

Backup eyeglasses or contacts 1 per every person who needs them

Phone charger

Waterproof matches or lighter (Also great for appreciating the apocalypse bard’s ballads around the campfire.)

Pack of wet wipes 1 per person (Do we think baby wipes are the solution to most problems? No. Do we think they’re the solution to roughly 45% of problems? Yes.)

Wool socks 1 pair per person (Have you heard of trench foot? Keep your feet clean, dry, and warm.)

Beanie 1 per person

Poncho 1 per person

Bandana 1 per person

Book, deck of cards, or other entertainment 1 per person (If fighting is a pastime your family really enjoys, pack too few entertainments and watch the time fly by.)

CASH – bills and coins $100-$500 per person (Small bills! If you need to employ the street urchins of the future, they may be pleased with mere pennies for a job well done.)

Go Bag List

Your Go Bag: Because “Winging It” Isn’t a Survival Strategy

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