Don’t get caught without the essentials

A Get Home Bag (GHB), often referred to as a “bugout bag” is a critical piece of preparedness gear designed for one simple purpose: helping you get home or to a “home base” style location safely during an emergency when conventional transportation or resources are no longer options. Whether you’re stuck in the city during a blackout, stranded after a natural disaster, or caught in civil unrest, your GHB should carry just enough to help you survive and navigate your way back to safety—typically within 24 to 72 hours.

At Guerrilla Tactical, our approach to a Get Home Bag is rooted in realism, mobility, and efficiency. This isn’t a full-blown bug-out bag—it’s lighter, more discreet, and purpose-built for urban or suburban movement. Below is our vetted list of essential items to include, broken down by function and priority.

Why You Need a Get Home Bag

It may seem like something for someone who is paranoid, or just a conspiracy theorist, but get home bags are life saving things. We see natural disasters every year that leave cities and towns without power or other resources. Each year we see protests that turn violent, and with more and more global tensions rising, you never know what is next.

That being said, a get home bag is something that can really help you when you need it most.

Assembling Your Get Home Bag

Now, our team at Guerrilla Tactical is going to break down the essentials of a Get Home Bag.

The Bag Itself

Your choice of pack is foundational. Choose a durable, water-resistant backpack with padded straps for comfort over long distances. Look for internal organization, hydration bladder compatibility, and enough volume for essentials without becoming bulky (20–30L is ideal). Avoid loud tactical colors or excessive MOLLE webbing that may draw attention—blend in, don’t stand out.

Write-in-the-Rain Notebook

A waterproof notebook paired with a pencil or weatherproof pen lets you take notes, sketch maps, record events, or leave messages. This is especially important when your phone is dead or offline. You can also jot down identifying details, emergency contact info, or plans if separated from a group.

Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool

A high-quality folding knife or multi-tool is one of the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry. Use it for food prep, cutting rope, prying open containers, or basic first aid. Choose something reliable with a good blade, screwdriver heads, and pliers. Keep it easily accessible on your person or in an exterior pouch.

Medical Kit / IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)

You never know when you will be encountering an injury, or someone you are with encountering an injury. These can range from minor cuts to full blown broken bones. Your IFAK should be trauma-oriented, not just a few Band-Aids and aspirin. Key components include:

Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W): To stop life-threatening limb bleeds, tourniquets are a must.
Nitrile Gloves: Protect yourself from biohazards.
Trauma Shears: Cut through clothing or gear rapidly.
Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): Helps maintain a breathing pathway in unconscious individuals.
Compressed Gauze / Chest Seals: For serious wounds or punctures, gauze is a necessity.
Mylar Space Blankets: Lightweight, compact, and critical for treating shock or staying warm overnight.

Your med kit should be staged for fast access and packed in a waterproof pouch. A great option is the Guerrilla Tactical Trauma Kit.

Fire Starters & Ignition Tools

Being able to make a fire is crucial for warmth, signaling, water purification, and morale. Pack at least two of the following:

Ferro Rod or Fire Steel: Works in wet and windy conditions.
Waterproof Matches: Easy to use, ideal for kindling a quick flame.
Disposable Lighter: Compact and reliable; carry two for redundancy.

Stash these in a waterproof container or bag within your GHB.

Lighting & Visibility

Headlamp: A good headlamp with adjustable brightness and red light mode lets you move safely at night while keeping hands free.
Tactical Flashlight: Choose a compact, high-lumen model with tail switch for ease of use. Use it for signaling or scanning dark interiors. Even using a weapon mounted light on your EDC pistol can be a good idea.
Chem Lights (Glow Sticks): Safe, silent, and useful for marking paths, identifying gear, or discreet lighting in a no-flashlight zone. Shelf-stable for years.

Don’t forget extra batteries or a rechargeable setup compatible with your power bank.

Spare Gloves, Clothing & Weather Protection

Extra Gloves: Thin liner gloves for dexterity and thicker insulated ones in cold weather.
Change of Clothes: A dry base layer—socks, underwear, t-shirt—stored in a dry sack. Wet clothing leads to blisters and hypothermia.
Rain Poncho or Jacket: Lightweight protection from wind and rain. Essential for staying dry and warm on the move.

Dress in layers and plan for seasonal changes, especially if you travel long distances from home.

Battery Bank & Power

In a digital world, keeping devices charged can be mission-critical. A high-capacity battery bank (10,000mAh or more) can charge your phone, headlamp, GPS, or other USB-powered tools. Look for models with fast charging and solar input for longer outages. Keep all charging cables neatly coiled and in a dedicated pouch.

Ammunition & Magazines

If you’re trained and legally permitted to carry firearms, your GHB should include:

Extra Magazine(s) for EDC Pistol: One or two full magazines with your preferred carry ammo.
Rifle Magazines: If you have access to a truck gun or patrol rifle, include 1–2 spare mags loaded with defensive rounds.

Keep magazines in pouches that allow for quick access, but remember: this is not a go-to-war kit—discretion, not firepower, is your greatest advantage in a Get Home scenario.

Water & Hydration Gear

Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder: At least 1–2 liters of water capacity. Refill when possible, but avoid drinking unfiltered water.
Portable Water Filter: A Sawyer Mini or LifeStraw adds almost no weight but allows you to drink from questionable sources safely.
Water Purification Tablets: Backup to your filter. Easy to use, and they take up almost no space.

Dehydration will debilitate you faster than hunger—never underestimate the importance of water access.

The Full Video

For more information on Get Home Bags, check out the full Guerrilla Tactical video on Youtube!

Final Thoughts: Preparedness Through Simplicity

Your Get Home Bag isn’t meant to make you comfortable—it’s meant to keep you alive and moving until you can reach safety. Don’t overpack, and don’t guess. Know how to use every item you carry. Guerrilla Tactical’s mindset is built around real-world efficiency: move fast, stay invisible, and be ready.Invest time in training, not just gear. Build fitness, learn basic medical skills, and practice with your tools. The goal is confidence under pressure—and a reliable plan for getting home when it matters most.

Be sure to check out Guerrilla Tactical on Instagram and Youtube!