Posted on 03/20/2026 11:47:50 AM PDT by Towed_Jumper
I've recently gone back to keeping a Bug Out Bag (Get Home Bag), in my truck. I thought it a prudent step given that I live in a rural area, drive a very old pickup truck and note that the world in general appears to be getting even more crazy.
I've perused the internet and found multiple GHB/BOB lists covering the basics. However, I thought it would be informative to get input from my fellow FReepers who also have GHB/BOBs.
In Houston, we don’t really have one other than the cell phone. If something happens, we’ll call Uber.
On Guam, I kept $20.00, a sun hat, shades, and an extra pair of sandals
Toilet paper. Nothing but toilet paper. Many of the squares unused!
I always have water in my car, but the utility/weight ratio wasn't enough for me to carry water in the bag. Then again, I'm in Ohio so it is less of a problem. A bunch of purification tablets was my compromise.
I've been rethinking the visa cards. Might switch over to silver or gold but that has issues too.
A Snickers-filled GHB bag will make a ruffian with peanut allergies think twice before trying to rob you somewhere along the road home.
I was going to tell you to grow old so you won’t be traveling far from home, or to any remote areas, but according to you, you’re already old. I’ll be 79 in August. I used to do a lot of traveling by car many years ago to do Civil War research in other States, and visited many of the battlefields. Some like Gettysburg and Antietam, I visited many times. The farthest I go now besides doctor appointments and grocery shopping, is visiting my brother’s family two hours west of me, and visiting my oldest son who lives 2 hours east of me...both done on the NYS Thruway. My biggest issue these days is trying to make it all the way to either of them without having to stop at the rest stop on the Thruway.
I always have water in my car, but the utility/weight ratio wasn't enough for me to carry water in the bag. Then again, I'm in Ohio so it is less of a problem. A bunch of purification tablets was my compromise.
I've been rethinking the visa cards. Might switch over to silver or gold but that has issues too.
And I'm an idiot for not having lighters in there, so I'll drop a couple in there.
Ever since Covid, we keep hundreds of rolls in a stack that goes from floor to ceiling in the spare bathroom. That was the only thing here that was in shortage at the store.
Same.
In your situation, I would be packing a Get the Hell out of Houston Bag (GHOHB).
We might need to live in the mountains for a while if we’re on the Coast or in the mountains when the big one hits. Self rescue will be important.
Guns and ammo. Our bug out location is only 67 miles away and fully stocked.
A couple of years ago I took a couple of falls and once I had to get some stitches as my glasses git the curb with me wearing them and took a divot out of my forehead. Doctor tells me to get a cane or a walking stick. I immediately leaned towards a walking stick but after researching it I went with a cane.
Here's why. A cane is a "medical device" ( a walking stick is not) and as such it is protected by both the ADA and HIPPA. It CANNOT be taken away from from you. Also, the need for it CANNOT questioned. You can take a cane ANYWHERE. It can be searched and examined but it must be given back to you no questions asked. Get a well made hardwood cane with a curved handle. They are sold on Amazon as "fighting canes." It will run $250-300 and there are books out there on how to fight with them.
A cane is an excellent choice for the thinking man who is prepared to defend himself but lives in a blue city and has been effectively disarmed. If you see an old dude riding the VTA Blue Line to Santa Teresa with a cane that's me.
I also keep a 7-day supply of my prescription (Rx), meds in my GHB. Older folks need to at least try to stave off a heart attack trying to get home.
Two things that I consider important and which are usually overlooked are one, the umbrella, while you need it if you are walking long distance in the rain (heavy rain on your head and body grows tiresome and wears you down over time) the most important reason is for blocking the sun, especially in the desert, and you need a special umbrella, not just any umbrella, the desert is windy and the sand reflective.
A wind handling sun blocking umbrella with a sun reflective top and a dark underside (easy on the eyes when on sand) does wonders for cooling, whether walking or sitting while taking a break.
The second invaluable little thing that takes up no space and weighs nothing, is a mosquito net for the head, a cotton sheet for sleeping is also protection against mosquitos, try sleeping in your car in Houston during the summer and you will know.
G4Free 47/54/62/68 Inch UV Protection Golf Umbrella Auto Open Vented Double Canopy Oversize Extra Large Windproof Sun Rain Umbrellas
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGHCPMGL/?coliid=I371FR09QUVCUF&colid=9XL4DYKH41E6&th=1
People will be moving to collection points and centers, or the next piece of undamaged civilization, not heading into the mountains thinking they will build shelter and hunt and fish for food for the next month, especially with wives and kids.
To me self rescue means short lived, using the BOB to get to where the rescuing is, for most people that is a short distance, for some it could mean a couple of nights outdoors while moving to that point.
I keep a Cammenga military lensatic compass in my bag (and know how to use it). However, my primary navigation gear is my handheld GPS in which I've already preloaded the Lat/Longs for my home address. Barring an EMP hit, the GPS is my go-to with the Cammenga as a backup.
The umbrella and mosquito net are great ideas. I currently keep a small umbrella in my truck...will look into a mosquito net. Thanks.
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