Get Home Bag

randomswissguy said:

Hey Preppers from here and there.
I am looking for a new get Home Bag.
Until now I use a normal backpack where my materials for work are in it.

Now I just want a new bag to get home, my walk to work takes about 8 hours without a break, so i don‘t need a Big Bag just for a Day.

I still don't know what kind, whether shoulder bag or backpack.

Then there is the question of which brand and type, does anyone have any ideas or experience in an emergency?

Thanks in advance.

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wraithofroncollins said:

Sure I will jump in here...
Ok this is just me, skills are lighter then gear. Just cause its 8 hours without a break, the GHB (I think of this as something different from a Bug-Out Bag) doesn't need to be a 72 hour kit (unless it does). So lets start with a few questions;
1. How do you see your GHB?
2. What is in the GHB?
3. Do you EDC?

Now that said, I recommend a Backpack as it lets you keep your hands free. You could easily be fine with what you have so, why the switch?

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wraithofroncollins said:

Sure I will jump in here...
Ok this is just me, skills are lighter then gear. Just cause its 8 hours without a break, the GHB (I think of this as something different from a Bug-Out Bag) doesn't need to be a 72 hour kit (unless it does). So lets start with a few questions;
1. How do you see your GHB?
2. What is in the GHB?
3. Do you EDC?

Now that said, I recommend a Backpack as it lets you keep your hands free. You could easily be fine with what you have so, why the switch?

Click to expand...

Back Pack Hack said:

You can spend $50 and you can spend $500 and still have a GHB that's capable to function as intended. As to shoulder/pack, that's a personal choice which is dependent on far too many variables.

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Jarine88 said:

I like the backpack idea, because as mentioned, it leaves your hands free. A satchel also leaves the hands free, but can become uncomfortable after a while of walking if there is much weight in it. Having traveled around the globe with various types of bags, anything carried in the hand or on one shoulder gets old pretty quickly.

To size the backpack, think what you need to get home. There could be obstacles, so plan for 24 hours. If an event happened early in the day in the summer and there are no obstacles in your way, the you will arrive home late afternoon with plenty of light. What if the event happens at 4pm in the winter? What about heavy rain, hail, sleet or snow? What if it happens on the hottest day of the year?

Whatever you choose, be careful. My GHB was stolen out of my truck in Nov 2019. Fortunately, there were no firearms in it, but I did lose some great stuff.

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Kauboy said:

This question largely depends on what you NEED to get home.
That answer differs for everyone, so only you can truly know. @Jarine88 makes some great points about preparing for inclement weather. Your gear might change with the seasons to accommodate.

Once you have gathered your necessary items to make the 8 hour trip (plan for longer just in case), assemble these items into a well arranged and tightly packed clump.
Measure your clump. Then look for a bag with dimensions closely matching those of your clump.
Too often, the mistake is made to buy a bag first. Realizing we bought a bag that can hold way more than we thought, we proceed to fill it up and justify every little thing. This adds weight. Ounces equal pounds, pounds equal pain.
Don't make that mistake.
Get a bag that will hold your predetermined essentials, and not much more. Your feet and back will thank you.

As for bag design, two well-padded shoulder straps, inconspicuous style (no molle webbing or camo), a waist belt is optional but encouraged, made from strong fabric that abrades well like Cordura.
For my budget, Maxpedition fits the bill in most situations. Your budget may vary.
Their "Prepared Citizen" and "Entity" lines have some great options, and everything I've ever bought from them was built solid with strong bar tacking, YKK heavy duty zippers, and tough fabric.

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