Your Get Home Bag (GHB) is your lifeline in an emergency, designed to provide the essential gear and supplies needed to navigate from your workplace or a stranded location back to the safety of your home. Unlike long-term bug-out bags, a GHB is lean, fast, and mission-specific. Having the right bag and the right tools can make the critical difference when every minute counts.
To help you build a reliable and effective kit, we’ve compiled a list of essential items and top-rated bags, with a focus on durability, functionality, and practical design. From compact multi-tools that fit in your wallet to robust 72-hour packs, these selections are built to handle the rigors of an unexpected journey. This roundup provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to assemble or upgrade their emergency preparedness gear.
Essential Get Home Bag Items and Top Bag Choices
- SE 11-Function Stainless Steel Survival Pocket Tool
- Vertx EDC Gamut Backpack – Black
- 3V Gear Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Tactical Backpack
- 3V Gear Velox II Quick Action Tactical Backpack
- Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Olive Drab)
- Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Black)
- MAXPEDITION Falcon-III Backpack (Khaki)
- Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
- 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack 55L
SE 11-Function Stainless Steel Survival Pocket Tool
This credit card-sized multi-tool is the definition of portable preparedness. Slip it into your wallet, and you’ll always have 11 essential functions at your fingertips, including a saw blade, can opener, knife edge, bottle cap opener, various wrenches, and a screwdriver. Its compact design ensures you are never without basic tools, making it a perfect addition to any Get Home Bag or everyday carry kit.
Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this tool is built for reliability and longevity. It can withstand rigorous use in various environments without adding any noticeable bulk to your load. For tackling small, unexpected challenges on the go, this versatile tool is an incredibly smart and space-efficient solution.
Vertx EDC Gamut Backpack
The Vertx EDC Gamut Backpack is designed for the urban professional who requires both organization and discreet, rapid access. Its standout feature is the VELCRO-lined conceal carry platform with a dedicated EDC pull handle, allowing for secure and quick retrieval of essential gear. This makes it an excellent choice for a low-profile Get Home Bag that can seamlessly transition from the office to the street.
Beyond its concealed carry capabilities, the bag is highly functional for everyday use. It can comfortably carry a 15” laptop and features 1920 modular webbing on the shoulder strap for attaching additional accessories. The thoughtful design prioritizes both accessibility and a professional appearance, ensuring your gear is organized and within reach without drawing unnecessary attention.
3V Gear Paratus 3-Day Operator’s Tactical Backpack
Built for resilience and versatility, the 3V Gear Paratus is a top contender for a primary Get Home Bag. It functions as a robust bug out bag, assault pack, or hiking backpack, featuring extensive MOLLE compatibility for modular customization. The inclusion of a Rapid Deployment Pack and two MOLLE pouches adds to its versatility, allowing you to tailor your loadout for specific needs.
Durability is a key focus, with double-stitched seams and heavy-duty 600D PVC-backed polyester providing weather resistance and long-lasting strength. For user comfort, it includes padded shoulder and waist straps and a molded EVA back panel that offers rigidity and improved airflow. With several access points and compression straps, this pack is designed for both comfort and efficient organization during extended travel.
3V Gear Velox II Quick Action Tactical Backpack
The 3V Gear Velox II is a rugged and thoughtfully organized tactical backpack with a 27L capacity. Constructed from tough 1000D nylon PVC-backed polyester, it is built to withstand harsh conditions and protect your gear from the elements. This makes it a reliable companion for demanding situations where equipment integrity is paramount.
Its design prioritizes quick access and efficient organization with four distinct compartments, including a main clamshell compartment and two front pockets. The backpack is also MOLLE compatible, giving you the flexibility to attach extra pouches and gear. Hydration compatibility and a laptop sleeve further enhance its utility, making it a well-rounded choice for both tactical use and urban survival scenarios.
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Olive Drab)
The Condor 3 Day Assault Pack is a classic, high-capacity pack designed for extended missions or as a comprehensive Get Home Bag. Its large main cargo compartment provides ample space for gear, clothing, and supplies needed for up to 72 hours. The pack is designed with seven pockets, facilitating easy access and logical organization of your equipment.
Staying hydrated is critical, and this pack is hydration-pack compatible, accommodating a 2L or 3L bladder. The practical design and durable construction have made it a trusted choice for outdoor enthusiasts and preparedness-minded individuals alike. Its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to storage and capacity makes it a reliable workhorse.
Condor 3 Day Assault Pack (Black)
This is the black color variant of the reliable Condor 3 Day Assault Pack, offering the same excellent features with a different aesthetic. It boasts a large load cargo capacity compartment, making it suitable for carrying all the essentials for a multi-day journey. The pack’s design emphasizes easy access and organization across its seven pockets.
Like its Olive Drab counterpart, it is fully hydration-pack compatible, ensuring you can integrate a water bladder for hands-free drinking. For those who prefer a darker, more low-profile look for their gear, this black version provides all the same functionality and durability in a sleek package.
MAXPEDITION Falcon-III Backpack
Renowned for its bombproof construction, the MAXPEDITION Falcon-III Backpack is a top-tier choice for those who refuse to compromise on quality. With an overall volume of 2160 cubic inches (35L), it offers substantial space in a manageable footprint. The pack is meticulously designed with multiple compartments for optimal organization of gear.
MAXPEDITION is synonymous with durability, and the Falcon-III is built to last with high-denier fabrics and robust zippers. Its compact yet capacious design makes it ideal for a well-stocked Get Home Bag that doesn’t sacrifice organization for size. This is a pack for users who demand the highest standard of craftsmanship in their gear.
Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bug Out Bag
For those seeking a completely pre-assembled solution, the Emergency Zone Urban Survival Bag is a comprehensive 72-hour emergency kit for up to four people. It takes the guesswork out of building a kit from scratch, providing peace of mind that you have a baseline of essential supplies. The kit includes a 3600-calorie SOS food bar and water pouches, all with a 5-year shelf life.
Its focus on hydration is particularly thorough, featuring not only water pouches but also a collapsible water container and water purification tablets. This provides multiple options for securing safe drinking water in an emergency. This ready-to-go bag is an excellent starting point for families new to preparedness or for supplementing an existing gear collection.
5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack 55L
The 5.11 Tactical RUSH72 Backpack is a legendary name in the tactical and preparedness community, known for its immense capacity and intelligent design. With 55 liters of space, it can easily accommodate gear for extended periods, making it suitable for a Get Home Bag that may also need to support overnight scenarios. The build quality is exceptional, designed to perform under pressure.
It features a well-thought-out internal organization system, multiple access points, and extensive MOLLE webbing for customization. The backpack is also hydration compatible and designed for all-day comfort with its padded straps and back panel. For the individual who wants a high-capacity, feature-rich pack from a trusted brand, the RUSH72 is a premier option.
How to Choose Your Get Home Bag
Putting together a get home bag isn’t about packing for a week-long camping trip. It’s about one thing: getting you from your workplace or a stranded vehicle back to the safety of your home, usually within a 24 to 72-hour window. My perspective on this is shaped by my time in the service, where your gear isn’t just a collection of stuff; it’s your lifeline. The philosophy behind a proper 9 100+ Get Home Bag Items & Top Bags | Marine Verified setup is about practicality, weight, and reliability above all else.
First, let’s talk about the bag itself. You don’t need a massive, 80-liter rucksack. You need something manageable, comfortable, and tough. Look for a pack in the 20 to 35-liter range. It should have a sturdy, padded hip belt. This is non-negotiable. A good hip belt transfers the weight from your shoulders to your hips, which is a game-changer for covering distance without destroying your back. The shoulder straps should also be padded and preferably adjustable. For materials, I look for Cordura nylon or a similar high-denier fabric. It needs to withstand being scraped against concrete or tossed in a trunk without tearing. Zippers should be YKK or an equivalent quality brand; a broken zipper can render your entire kit useless.
Next is organization. A cluttered bag is a slow bag. When you need something, you need it fast. I prefer a main compartment with a few internal organizers or molle webbing, so I can attach smaller pouches. This “modular” approach lets me group similar items—like fire-starting tools or medical supplies—and grab the whole pouch in a hurry. A separate, easily accessible pocket for a water bladder or water bottle is also critical. You don’t want to unpack your entire bag just to take a drink.
Finally, consider the context. Is this bag living in your car? Then maybe a low-profile, grey-man color like black, grey, or olive drab is best to avoid drawing attention. Is it going under your desk at work? Then size and professional appearance might be a factor. The core principle is that your bag is a tool, not a treasure chest. Every single item you put in it should have a defined, critical purpose. It’s better to have 25 items you know how to use perfectly than 100 items that just add dead weight. Your fitness level matters, too. Be honest with yourself about how far you can realistically travel on foot with that weight on your back.
FAQ
What’s the single most important item in a get home bag?
This is a trick question, but if I had to pick one, it’s water. You can survive for weeks without food, but only about three days without water. Dehydration will sap your strength, cloud your judgment, and stop you in your tracks faster than anything else. I always carry a way to purify more water, like a Sawyer Mini filter or purification tablets, because you can’t always carry all the water you’ll need. It’s the foundation of your entire 9 100+ Get Home Bag Items & Top Bags | Marine Verified strategy.
How often should I check and update my get home bag?
You should do a full inventory at least twice a year. A good habit is to do it when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Check all your batteries, rotate any food or medication, and inspect your gear for wear and tear. This is also the time to try everything on. Put the bag on and walk a mile or two. You might find a strap rubs you the wrong way or the weight distribution is off. It’s better to find that out on a casual Saturday than during a real emergency.
Should I pack a firearm in my get home bag?
This is a deeply personal and highly legalistic decision. My take is that if you are legally permitted to carry and you have the proper training, it can be a viable option for self-defense. However, it introduces significant complications. You are responsible for its security at all times. It adds substantial weight. And in a high-stress situation, the rules of engagement are murky at best. For most people, a less-lethal option like a good quality pepper spray is a more practical and legally straightforward choice for personal protection.
What’s a common mistake people make when building their first bag?
The most common mistake is overpacking. People see lists with hundreds of items and think they need it all. They end up with a 50-pound bag they can’t carry for more than ten minutes. Your get home bag is not a bug-out bag. It’s for a short, swift journey. Focus on the essentials: water, navigation, shelter, first aid, and tools to signal for help. The goal is mobility, not comfort. Pack for the worst day, but plan for a realistic distance.
Is it okay to buy a pre-made survival kit instead of building my own?
Pre-made kits can be a starting point, but I never rely on them completely. They often contain low-quality items to hit a price point. That multi-tool might snap under pressure, or the flashlight might be dim and cheap. The real value in building your own bag is the knowledge you gain. You learn why you chose each item and, more importantly, how to use it. Take a pre-made kit as a base, then immediately upgrade the critical components like the fire starter, water filter, and first-aid supplies.