Get Home Bag / Survival Kit

What’s in My Survival Kit? A Practical and Honest Guide to My Get Home Bag

Let’s get this out of the way: I don’t do Bug Out Bags. Why? Because most of what people cram into their BOBs is simply impossible to carry. Unless you’re planning to turn into a human pack mule, you’ll likely abandon half of that gear a few miles down the road. Instead, I’ve shifted my focus from lugging around excess gear to honing my skills and training. But let’s be real: good gear makes life easier, so I always carry essentials in my car and on my person.

This isn’t some knee-jerk reaction to a global crisis or recent events, my kits have been part of my life for years. I use them. I train with them. I know them inside and out. This isn’t just gear; it’s an extension of my knowledge and preparation. And yes, every single item has earned its place.

How I Structure My Survival Kits

I carry two survival kits in my vehicle:

1. The Fast Pack: This is my necessity survival kit. It’s lightweight, streamlined, and designed for fast travel with minimal load.
2. The Get Home Bag: This is the deluxe version. It includes everything in the Fast Pack plus extra comforts and tools to make life easier if I’m stranded or need to hunker down for longer.

I also have two car kits (which I won’t go into detail about here). One is stocked with vehicle repair tools, and the other is designed to help others—extra food, water, and various survival items to offer support.

Pro Tip: Think modular. Build kits that can work independently or together. This allows you to grab only what you need based on the situation, keeping your load light and manageable.

A Disclaimer: My Kit, My Rules

This is my kit. It works for me. I don’t expect you to agree with every item on this list, and that’s fine. Survival is personal. You need to know yourself, your limitations, your skills, and your environment. Build your kit to suit your needs, not mine.

Could I survive with less? Sure. Would it be fun? Absolutely not. I prefer "easy" over "miserable," thank you very much.

The Big Picture: When I Use These Kits

If I’m just running to the store, I rely on my Everyday Carry (EDC), a curated set of items I always have with me. For longer trips, I bring along the Fast Pack and/or Get Home Bag, depending on the situation. If I had to abandon my vehicle in a hurry, the car kits would stay behind or get stashed nearby while I grab my survival packs.

Pro Tip: Practice mock scenarios. Test how quickly you can access and use items from your kit. Knowing your kit inside and out could save valuable time in an emergency.

Training Makes the Difference

Let me be clear: gear is only as good as your ability to use it. I don’t carry a trauma kit just to look cool. As a Wilderness First Responder, I’ve trained extensively with every item in my kit. If you’re packing tools you’ve never used or don’t understand, you might as well be carrying rocks. Skills matter more than gear—but having both is ideal.

I am constantly training and learning new skills. As I gain experience, my kit evolves to reflect what works best for me. Sometimes that means adding new tools, and other times it means simplifying and removing items that don’t perform as expected. My kit is a dynamic extension of my skills and knowledge, ensuring I’m always prepared for a variety of situations.

Now that you know the backstory, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what I carry and why.

Start With the Basics: Everyday Carry (EDC)

Your EDC is the foundation of your survival preparedness. These items should be lightweight and always on you, whether you’re heading to the store or hiking in the wilderness.

What’s in My EDC?

• Wazoo Stash Cap: Discreet storage for small, important items.
• Firestarter Necklace: A wearable way to always have fire-making capability.
• Viking Sharpening Stone: Compact, durable, and practical for edge maintenance.
• Firearm: Pew pew… Always check local laws and carry responsibly.
• TSU Mountainside Mettle Spirit Knife: A rugged, versatile knife designed to handle everyday tasks and survival challenges with ease.
• Identification and Cash: Keep your driver’s license, another form of ID, $20 cash, and spare change for emergencies.

Pro Tip: Practice using your EDC tools. Skills trump gear every time. Keep your EDC items consistent. When you always carry the same gear, you build muscle memory, which is critical in high-stress situations.

The TSU Mountainside Mettle Spirit Knife is my trusted companion for everyday use, offering functionality and durability in a design that suits both casual and survivalist needs. Carry it with confidence!

Lightweight Fast Pack: Necessity Survival Kit

This pack is built for mobility, designed to keep you fast and agile in a survival scenario. It’s compact, lightweight, and focuses on the most important items.

The Perfect Backpack for Your Survival Gear

• Backpack: Compact, durable, and comfortable.

A compact, durable, and comfortable backpack is the foundation of your survival kit. Choose one that is rugged enough to handle rough terrain and weather conditions, yet compact to avoid unnecessary bulk. Look for features like padded shoulder straps, a waist belt for weight distribution, and multiple compartments for organized storage. Water-resistance or waterproofing is a bonus to keep your gear safe and dry. A well-designed backpack ensures comfort over long distances, reducing fatigue and improving your mobility in critical situations.

A Good Knife:

A good knife is, without a doubt, the most important tool in your survival kit. For me, it’s #1 because of its sheer versatility—there’s so much I can create and accomplish with it. A high-quality, durable knife isn’t just a tool; it’s an extension of your survival skills, enabling you to adapt and thrive in almost any situation.

A good survival knife should have a full tang construction for strength and durability, a blade made from high-carbon or stainless steel for sharpness and corrosion resistance, and a blade thickness of 3-5mm with a length of 4-6 inches for versatility. Look for a drop point blade shape for slicing, piercing, and carving, and an ergonomic, non-slip handle made from materials like G-10 or rubber for comfort and safety. A durable Kydex or leather sheath ensures protection and quick access, making the knife reliable for both precision tasks and heavy-duty use.

• • Primary: TSU Mountainside Mettle Spirit Knife
  • Recommended Substitutes: Condor Terrasaur, Benchmade Bushcrafter, or Mora Garberg.

Tools and Communication

• Multi-tool: Leatherman Wave, Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X, or Gerber Center-Drive, etc, for versatility.
• 50’ Paracord: Endless applications for shelter, repairs, and more.
• Two-Way Radio: Reliable communication in remote areas.
• Signal Mirror and Signal Whistle: Vital for rescue signaling.
• Lock Picking Set: For urban scenarios where access may be necessary.
• Sewing Kit: Handy for repairing gear, clothing, or even in medical emergencies.
• 10' Copper Trapping Wire: Perfect for crafting snares or making quick repairs.
• Readyman Wilderness Survival Card: Compact survival tools you can carry anywhere, with functionality for cutting, sawing, and more.

Illumination and Visibility gear

• Headlamp (White Light and Red Light): A hands-free lighting solution that’s invaluable for tasks like navigating in the dark, setting up camp, or signaling. The red light mode preserves night vision and is less likely to attract attention, making it ideal for stealth situations.
• Extra Batteries: Always carry spare batteries to ensure your headlamp and other devices remain operational when you need them most. Opt for rechargeable options if you have a solar charger in your kit.
• 12-Hour Glow Stick: A simple, lightweight, and long-lasting light source that doesn’t rely on batteries. Perfect for marking trails, signaling for help, or providing ambient light in your shelter.

Pro Tip: Choose headlamps and flashlights with multiple light modes, including red light. Red light preserves night vision and is less likely to attract unwanted attention in a survival scenario.

Fire Kit

• Ferro Rod: A reliable fire-starting tool that works in all weather conditions, including wind and rain. It’s nearly indestructible, making it a must-have backup for starting fires.
• Bic Lighter: Lightweight, simple, and effective for quickly igniting a fire. For added utility, remove the safety, wrap it in bright duct tape for visibility, and store it in a waterproof container
• X10 Cotton Balls w/ Vaseline (Homemade): Highly flammable and easy to make at home, these serve as excellent tinder that ignites quickly and burns long enough to catch your kindling.
• X3 Emergency Firestarters (Homemade): Made from cardboard egg cups, shredded cardboard, paraffin wax, and topped with cotton balls and Vaseline, then wrapped in foil. These are waterproof, long-burning, and ideal for tough conditions like wind or wet environments.

Pro Tip: Modifying Bic Lighters
I buy Bic lighters with those cool stickers on the outside (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a good design?). But then, I remove the sticker to reveal the white lighter underneath, making it easy to check the fuel level at a glance.

Next, I remove the safety features because, in a survival situation, I don’t have time to wrestle with unnecessary safety mechanisms. Finally, I wrap a foot or so of ½-inch-wide orange duct tape around the lighter. This serves multiple purposes:

• Signaling: The bright orange color is easy to spot.
• Trail Marking: Use it to mark your path.
• Fire Extender: Duct tape burns like a champ when you need a boost to get your fire going.

By modifying and prepping my lighters this way, I’ve turned a simple tool into a multi-functional survival asset.

Water and Food

• Sawyer Mini Water Filter: A lightweight, compact, and highly effective filter that removes bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics. Perfect for filtering water from natural sources in a survival situation.
• CNOC Outdoors Vecto Water Container (28mm): A durable and flexible water container that pairs perfectly with the Sawyer filter. Its wide opening makes it easy to fill, even in shallow water sources, and it’s far superior to the Sawyer’s stock container.
• 40oz Wide Mouth Klean Kanteen Water Bottle: A single-walled, stainless steel bottle that allows you to boil water directly over a fire, ensuring safe drinking water and added versatility
• .Space Saver Cup: A compact cup that nests neatly over the water bottle for easy packing. Ideal for boiling small amounts of water or preparing hot beverages.
• Food Bars: High-calorie options like Cliff or Lara Bars provide quick, energy-dense nutrition. Their portability and long shelf life make them ideal for emergency food supplies.

Shelter and Clothing

• Military Rain Poncho: A versatile piece of gear that not only keeps you dry in wet conditions but can also double as a tarp for shelter building.
• Wool Socks: Your feet are your lifeline in a survival situation. Wool socks keep them warm, dry, and blister-free, even when wet.
• Fleece or Wool Beanie: Retains heat effectively and protects your head, which is a key area for preventing heat loss in cold weather.
• Mylar Blanket: A lightweight, compact item that reflects body heat to keep you warm in emergencies. Also doubles as a signaling tool.
• Shemagh (Large Cotton Scarf): Incredibly versatile—use it for sun protection, warmth, a makeshift filter, or even a sling for injuries.
• Warbonnet Black Diamond Over Quilt: A compact, warm blanket that can also serve as a lightweight sleeping bag. Ideal for staying cozy without adding bulk to your pack.

Pro Tip: Practice setting up your shelter and tarp configurations before you need them. This ensures you know what works best for your gear and environment

Navigation

• Compass and Topographical Map: Your go-to tools for reliable navigation in the backcountry. A compass and map work without batteries, making them indispensable for staying on course when GPS devices fail.
• Map/Navigation Protractor: Important for precise route planning and measuring distances on your map. A must-have for advanced navigation.
• Road Atlas/City Street Map: Phones die, and signal can disappear. A detailed road atlas is invaluable for long-distance travel, especially when navigating through urban areas. Keep it in your car but grab it for on-foot journeys if needed.
• Notepad and Pencil: Record key details like coordinates, trail markers, or rescue instructions. A pencil won’t fail you like a pen might in wet or freezing conditions.

Pro Tip: Mark key landmarks or hazards on your map with a pencil. This is especially helpful when retracing your route or navigating in low visibility.

Trauma / First Aid Kit

Build your own trauma kit. Off-the-shelf first aid kits from department stores are often poorly equipped, offering little more than a mountain of adhesive bandages and a few alcohol wipes. While these kits might be fine for small cuts, they won’t help you handle real emergencies where lives are at stake. Instead of relying on these inadequate options, it's important to create your own trauma kit or Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK).

A good trauma kit is a critical part of your preparedness plan, and ideally, you should know how to use every item in it. Having the right tools is one thing—knowing how to apply them is what saves lives.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with everything in your trauma kit and take a basic first aid course. You don’t want to be learning how to use a tourniquet in a life-or-death situation.

What’s in My Trauma Kit?

• Benadryl: Antihistamine for allergic reactions, including mild anaphylaxis.
• Ibuprofen: Reduces inflammation and alleviates pain.
• Baby Aspirin: Can help in a cardiac emergency (only use as advised by a medical professional).
• Prescription Meds: Always carry necessary medications in your kit, particularly if you have a condition requiring them.
• Rubber/Nitrile Gloves: Protects you from contamination when treating wounds.
• Gauze (Rolls and Pads): Necessary for stopping bleeding and dressing wounds.
• Surgical Tape: Keeps dressings secure and is multipurpose in emergencies.
• Blood Stopper Pads: Specialized dressings designed to halt heavy bleeding.
• CAT Tourniquet: Lightweight and versatile, it can stop severe blood loss when applied correctly.
• CPR Mask: A barrier device for safely performing rescue breaths.
• OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway): Keeps the airway open for unconscious patients (carry both adult and child sizes).
• NPA (Nasopharyngeal Airway): An alternative airway device that’s easier to insert in certain situations and works on semi-conscious patients (include lubricant for insertion).
• Trauma Shears: Heavy-duty scissors designed to quickly and safely cut through clothing, belts, or even seatbelts to access wounds in an emergency.

👉 Learn valuable medical skills in our Wilderness First Responder Course

Large Survival Kit / Get Home Bag

Everything in the Fast Pack, plus the following items, designed for comfort and long-term survival.

Choose a large, comfortable backpack designed to hold everything from your smaller pack and more. Look for a model with a waist belt to distribute the weight evenly across your hips and lower back, reducing strain on your shoulders. This feature ensures better balance and comfort, especially when carrying heavier loads over long distances.

Knives

• TSU Mountainside Mettle Courage Knife: A dependable, all-around survival knife designed to handle tough outdoor tasks, from cutting rope to processing wood.
• Cold Steel – Mini Tac Skinner: Compact and lightweight, ideal for precision tasks like food prep or skinning game. A great backup or secondary blade.
• Knife Sharpening Stone (Small): Ensures your blades stay sharp, which is vital for efficiency and safety in survival scenarios. A dull blade can be more dangerous than a sharp one.
• Recommended Substitutes: If the above options don’t suit your needs, consider robust alternatives like the ESEE Junglas for heavy-duty tasks or the TOPS Knives Power Eagle 12, which excels in chopping and other demanding uses.

Expanded Fire Starting Kit

• Large Ferro Rod (6" x 1/2"): A durable and reliable fire-starting tool that works in any weather conditions. Its larger size ensures more strikes, making it a great backup option.
• X10 Cotton Balls w/ Vaseline (Homemade): Lightweight and highly flammable, these make excellent tinder. Easy to prepare and perfect for starting a fire quickly.
• X3 Emergency Firestarters (Homemade): Made from cardboard egg cups, shredded cardboard, paraffin wax, and Vaseline-topped cotton balls, wrapped in foil. These are waterproof, long-burning, and ideal for wet or windy conditions.

Pro Tip: Carry fire starters in multiple locations within your pack to ensure accessibility.

Water Kit

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter: A lightweight and effective filter that removes bacteria, protozoa, and microplastics. Perfect for quick filtration on the go.
• CamelBak with Inline Water Filter: Combines hydration and filtration, allowing you to carry clean water and drink directly from streams or contaminated sources.
• Water Purification Tablets: A reliable backup for killing bacteria and viruses when filtration isn't enough or a filter fails. Compact and easy to store.

Food Kit

• Small Pot and Spoon: Necessary for boiling water, cooking meals, or heating soups. A lightweight and durable pot is perfect for portability and efficiency.
• X2 MREs or Freeze-Dried Meals: Ready-to-eat options that are lightweight, long-lasting, and packed with calories for extended survival scenarios.
• High-Calorie Snacks (Cliff Bars, Lara Bars, etc.): Compact and nutrient-dense snacks to keep your energy up between meals. Ideal for quick, on-the-go sustenance.
• Salt, Sugar, Preferred Seasonings, and Coffee: Small morale boosters that make meals more enjoyable and add flavor to basic foods. Coffee also provides a needed energy boost in tough situations.

Shelter / Clothing

Survival means staying protected from the elements. These items help ensure warmth, shelter, and versatility.

• Hiking Boots: Break them in before you need them. Blisters are not your friend.
• Boot Gaiters: Keep debris and water out of your boots, especially in muddy or snowy conditions.
• Long Underwear (Shirt and Pants): Wool or synthetic materials work best for retaining heat even when wet.
• Shemagh (Large Cotton Scarf): Use it for sun protection, warmth, or even as a makeshift water filter.
• Boonie Hat: Wide brims offer better sun protection for your face and neck.
• Ball Cap: Great for shade and fitting under a hood or poncho.
• Fleece Cap: Fleece is lightweight and retains heat well, even when damp.
• Military Woobie (Lightweight Blanket): Doubles as a sleeping bag liner or emergency shelter.
• Warbonnet Superfly Tarp (Lightweight Ripstop Camping Tarp): Learn a few basic tarp setups for quick shelters.
• Large Black Trash Bag: Emergency poncho, ground cover, or water collector—super versatile.
• Neck Gaiter: Perfect for keeping warm or protecting against wind and sun.
• Mylar Blanket: Reflects body heat and works great as a signal for rescue.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from glare, especially in snowy or sunny conditions.

Tools and Miscellaneous

• Silky F180 Folding Handsaw: Compact and lightweight, perfect for cutting branches and gathering wood for fire or shelter.
• Solar Charging Pack and Cords: Keep electronics functional in off-grid scenarios, especially during extended stays outdoors.
• Lock Pick Kit (Large): Offers an expanded range of tools for overcoming locked barriers, useful in urban or survival escape scenarios.
• Fishing Kit: Compact and reliable for food procurement in survival situations.
• Ear Plugs: Critical for maintaining focus and rest in noisy environments.
• Sewing Kit: Handy for repairing torn gear, clothing, or even first-aid applications. Suturing is not recommended in an unsterile environment. No matter how cool you think you are, just don’t do it!
• Taser/Stun Gun: A non-lethal tool for personal defense, effective in deterring potential threats.
• Electrical Tape: Multipurpose and durable, great for patching up equipment, insulating wires, or making temporary fixes.
• Extra Batteries: Ensures critical devices like flashlights and radios remain operational when power sources are scarce.
• Rechargeable Cell Phone Backup Battery: A lifesaver for keeping phones charged in emergencies or for navigation.
• X5 Carabiners: Lightweight and sturdy, useful for securing gear, creating shelter setups, or attaching items to your pack.
• 50’ Paracord: An indispensable tool for building shelters, making traps, or securing items; its versatility is unmatched.
• Small Handheld Flashlight (Extra Batteries): A compact and reliable source of light that’s crucial for nighttime navigation or signaling.
• Headlamp (White and Red Light): Allows for hands-free illumination, with red light preserving night vision.
• Monkey Fist: A discreet and versatile self-defense tool that can also be used for breaking glass in emergencies.
• Camo Face Paint: Ideal for blending into natural environments during escape and evasion scenarios.
• SERE Kit: A compact set designed for escape and resistance in dire circumstances, including a razor, mini saw, lock picks, and handcuff key.
• Extra Ammo: Ensures you’re prepared for extended scenarios where self-defense or hunting becomes necessary.

Pro Tip: Check the condition of your tools regularly. A broken carabiner or dull knife won’t be much help in an emergency.

Hygiene Kit

• Toothbrush: Maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental issues, which can become major problems in extended survival situations.
• Toothpaste: Keeps your breath fresh and teeth healthy. Choose a compact or travel-sized tube for portability.
• Dental Floss: Doubles as a tool for cleaning teeth and a versatile item for gear repairs or makeshift traps.
• Hand Sanitizer: Works well for killing germs when water is scarce. Look for a high-alcohol-content option for effectiveness.
• Soap: Multi-purpose for cleaning your body, dishes, or even gear. Biodegradable soap is a great eco-friendly choice.
• Fingernail Clippers: Prevent painful hangnails or infections that could hinder your ability to work with your hands.
• Sunscreen: Protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can cause burns and dehydration.
• Bug Spray: Keeps mosquitoes and other pests at bay, reducing the risk of bites and insect-borne diseases.
• Toilet Paper: Comfort and cleanliness matter. Pack it compactly or substitute with natural options in a pinch.
• Wet Wipes: Convenient for quick cleanups, refreshing yourself, or maintaining hygiene when water access is limited.
  
  

Pro Tip: Pack travel-sized items to save space and weight, and store them in a waterproof bag to keep everything dry.

Expanded Trauma Kit

An expanded trauma kit goes beyond basic first aid, providing the tools needed to address severe injuries and medical emergencies, especially in wilderness or high-risk situations. Having these items on hand can be the difference between life and death, buying time until professional help arrives or ensuring self-sufficiency when help is unavailable.

• X2 CAT Tourniquets: Vital for stopping life-threatening bleeding from major arteries, a must-have for severe limb injuries.
• Trauma Shears: Designed to cut through tough materials like clothing or seat belts quickly, enabling faster access to wounds.
• Tape: Useful for securing bandages or dressings in place.
• 10’ Duct Tape: Multipurpose, from securing splints to creating improvised dressings. Its versatility in emergency situations is unmatched.
• Gauze: Crucial for wound packing to control bleeding and prevent infection.
• Ace Bandage: Provides compression for sprains or strains, and can also secure splints or dressings.
• Splint: Used to immobilize broken bones or sprains, preventing further damage and easing pain.
• Nitrile Gloves: Protects both the caregiver and the patient by maintaining hygiene.
• Cake Frosting (for Diabetes): Quick-acting sugar to address hypoglycemia.
• Honey: A natural energy booster that also has antibacterial properties.
• OPA (Oropharyngeal Airway): Ensures a clear airway in unconscious patients.

Items from a TCCC Trauma Kit

• ETD (Emergency Trauma Dressing - 6 in.): A compact pressure dressing to control bleeding and protect wounds.
• Rolled Gauze (4.5 in. x 4.1 yd): Ideal for wound packing or dressing.
• Combat Gauze Bandage: Hemostatic gauze that promotes rapid clotting in severe bleeding situations.
• Pre-Lubricated Nasopharyngeal Airway: Keeps the airway open in unconscious patients with facial injuries.
• Needle Decompression Kit (14 ga x 3.25 in.): Used for treating tension pneumothorax, a life-threatening chest injury.
• Chest Seal Twin Pack: Seals open chest wounds to prevent air from entering the chest cavity.
• Surgical Tape (2 in.): Secures dressings and equipment.
• Nitrile Gloves: Durable, high-quality gloves for maintaining hygiene.
• Large Permanent Marker (Black): For recording the time of tourniquet application or other notes on the Combat Casualty Card.
• Combat Casualty Card: Documents injuries and treatments, ensuring accurate communication with medical personnel.

This comprehensive list covers everything needed for survival preparedness, ensuring you’re ready to handle a wide range of emergencies. Each item has a specific purpose, making your kit adaptable and dependable for the wild or the unexpected challenges of life

Take the Next Step: Learn Survival Skills

Gear can only take you so far. Skills are what truly make a difference in survival situations. Consider joining a survival class to learn hands-on techniques like firecraft, shelter building, and navigation.

👉 Learn the Basics with Our Outdoor Survival 101 Class
👉 Master Navigation Skills with Our Land Navigation Course
👉 Challenge Yourself with the 50-Day Wilderness Immersion Program

By combining training with the right gear, you’ll be prepared for whatever challenges come your way.