Preparing a go bag might seem like a little thing, but with just a few steps, you can ensure that you and your family have what you need in the event of an emergency or disaster.

True, none of us want to think that we will ever be in a position where we have to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Sadly, each year millions of people are displaced by things out of their control such as natural & man-made disasters, power outages, and more. Fortunately, many of these people were prepared with essential items and were able to leave the dangerous situation safely.

In this guide, we wanted to focus on preparing a go bag in a simple, easy-to-follow way. In just seven steps, you can prepare a go bag that is practical and works for most households.

Ready to get started? Let’s go!

Step 1 – Water and Food

Food and water are the most important things to have in your go bag. According to the survival rule of 3, we cannot survive three days without water and three weeks with food. While not an exact science, it does provide a general guideline for how long a person can go without these essential elements in a survival situation.

When it comes to food, there are various options that take into account nutrition, portability, shelf-life, and cost. Here is a list of recommendations:

• Datrax 3600 Emergency Food Bar – 3 Day/72 Hour Bar
• Vanilla Poundcake Bars
• Chocolate Emergency Bar

As you consider these options, ensure that there is enough for everyone in the family. Other food options include trail mix, freeze-dried foods, or ready-to-eat meals.

To learn more about food preparedness, visit the emergency food guide.

Water preparation has multiple options. While some might recommend one of the following options, we recommend all three for well-rounded preparedness:

• Water Pouches
• Water Purification Straw
• Water Purification Tablets

To learn more about water purification, visit our water purification guide.

By this point, you should have the food and water you need in your shopping cart. Now let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2 – Shelter and Clothing

So far so good, right? In this step, we are going to focus on another important part of any go bag. While according to the survival rule of 3, we cannot survive three days without water and three days with food, we also cannot survive 3 hours without shelter in extreme conditions. Having shelter is definitely a needed item for your go bag.

Shelter can come in different forms. Some of the most coming shelter items are:

• Tents: While we tend to think of tents as big and bulky, emergency shelter tents are lightweight and durable. The most common tents can fit two people. So if you have a family of four or more, consider buying multiple tents for your go bag.
• Blankets: We’re not talking about the comfortable blankets that are on your bed. For emergency situations, you will need something lightweight and functional. Emergency thermal blankets utilize a special material that protects from weather conditions by keeping one dry and retains up to 90% of a person’s body heat. Most of these come in packs of four, which makes it ideal for a family.
• Ponchos: Protecting from precipitation will keep one dry and prevent conditions such as hypothermia and shock.
• Bivy Sacks: Many people might now have heard of a bivy sack. Think of it as a weather resistant, lightweight sleeping bag. Like the tent and thermal blankets, these will keep you warm and take up little space in your go bag.
• Tarp: This is a fine alternative to tents, blankets, and bivy sacks as they are versatile and can be used in a variety of settings and ways.

Which one should you get? Ultimately, it comes down to preference. Since these take minimal space in a go bag, we have found that having a tent, thermal blankets, and ponchos to be the right level of coverage, portability, and usage. We recommend that you think about your family size and plan accordingly. For a deeper discussion on emergency shelter, please check out our Emergency Shelter Guide.

Having a change of clothing is a great idea. This includes having warm socks and a hoodie or light jacket. Since space is limited in a go bag, consider compression cubes.

Step 3 – Health and Hygiene

While it is our hope that no one gets hurt, accidents do happen. Because of that, first aid is important – not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

First aid kits are also an essential part of a go bag. A basic first aid kit should include:

• Bandages
• Aspirin
• Cold Compress
• Gloves
• Hydrocortisone Ointment
• Roller Bandages
• Tweezers
• Gauze Pads
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Cloth Tape

Buying a first aid kit is easier than assembling one, especially since there are so many viable first aid kits on the market.

We recommend that you buy a first aid kit as opposed to creating one. There are so many viable first aid kits on the market that include all of the essential items and more in a compact package and good price. To learn more about first aid kits, take a look at our First Aid Kit Guide.

In addition to first aid kits, having essential medication, hand sanitizer, travel-size toiletries, and wet wipes will ensure that most of your hygiene needs are met.

Three Reasons to Have a Go Bag

1. Emergency Evacuation: In the event of a natural disaster (such as a wildfire, earthquake, or flood), civil unrest, or other emergencies that require you to leave your home immediately, a go bag ensures you have essential items ready to grab. This can save precious time when every minute counts.
2. Self-Sufficiency: A well-packed go bag allows you to be self-sufficient for at least 24–72 hours. It typically includes food, water, medications, first aid supplies, and other necessities, so you can manage until you reach a safe location or receive help.
3. Peace of Mind: Having a go bag prepared can provide peace of mind, knowing you’re ready for unexpected events. It reduces stress during emergencies, as you won’t have to scramble to find critical items in a panic.

Emergency preparedness will benefit your entire family