Bugout Bag vs. Get Home Bag: What’s the Difference and What to Pack?

When preparing for emergencies, two essential kits to consider are a Bugout Bag (BOB) and a Get Home Bag (GHB). While both serve critical survival purposes, they have distinct roles in emergency preparedness. Understanding their differences and packing them correctly can make all the difference in a crisis.

Bugout Bag (BOB): Designed for Long-Term Survival

A Bugout Bag is a pre-packed emergency kit meant to sustain you for at least 72 hours (or longer) if you need to evacuate your home due to a disaster, civil unrest, or another crisis. The focus is on mobility and self-sufficiency.

What to Pack in a Bugout Bag

Your Bugout Bag should be comprehensive because it must support you for multiple days in uncertain conditions. Here’s what to include:

1. Water and Filtration

   2-3 liters of water (hydration bladder or bottles)

   Portable water filter (Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw, etc.)

   Water purification tablets

   Food and Cooking

2. Lightweight, calorie-dense foods (MREs, freeze-dried meals, protein bars, nuts)

   Compact stove (Jetboil or Esbit stove)

   Small pot or cup for boiling water

   Utensils and a multipurpose knife

3. Shelter and Clothing

   Lightweight tent, tarp, or bivy sack

   Sleeping bag or emergency blanket

   Extra socks and moisture-wicking underlayers

   Weather-appropriate clothing (rain gear, gloves, hat)

4. Fire and Light

   Waterproof matches and lighters

   Ferrocerium rod (fire starter)

   Headlamp and extra batteries

   Compact flashlight

5. First Aid and Hygiene

   Comprehensive first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, prescription meds)

   Hygiene kit (soap, wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant)

   Travel-sized sunscreen and insect repellent

6. Tools and Equipment

   Multitool (Leatherman, Gerber)

   Folding saw or hatchet

   Duct tape and paracord

   Compass and physical map

   Signal mirror and whistle

7. Self-Defense and Security

   Pepper spray or self-defense tool of choice

   Firearm (if legally permitted) with extra ammo

   Concealable knife

   Personal alarm or security whistle

8. Communication and Navigation

   Emergency radio (hand-crank or solar)

   Paper maps of your area and potential bugout locations

   Notepad and waterproof pen

9. Cash and Important Documents

   Small bills and coins

   Copies of ID, insurance, and emergency contacts (stored in a waterproof pouch)

10. Miscellaneous Items

    Sewing kit

    Fishing line and hooks (if applicable to your area)

    Small book or morale booster (deck of cards, survival manual)

Key Considerations for a Bugout Bag:

Your pack should be durable and comfortable to carry over long distances.

Keep the weight manageable (ideally under 30 lbs).

Choose multi-use items to conserve space.

Get Home Bag (GHB): Designed for Short-Term Travel

A Get Home Bag is designed to help you travel from your workplace, school, or any other location back to your home in an emergency. Unlike a Bugout Bag, which prepares you for multiple days, a Get Home Bag is for short-term survival (typically 24 hours or less).

What to Pack in a Get Home Bag

Since a Get Home Bag is lighter and more streamlined, it should contain only the essentials for getting back home quickly and safely.

1. Water and Filtration

   1-2 liters of water (collapsible bottle or hydration bladder)

   Small water filter (Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw)

   Purification tablets

2. Food and Energy

   Energy bars or meal replacement bars

   Trail mix, jerky, or nuts

   Electrolyte powder packets

3. Clothing and Footwear

   Comfortable walking shoes (if you’re in dress shoes, heels, or boots at work)

   Extra socks and underwear

   Hat, gloves, and rain poncho (weather-dependent)

4. Fire and Light

   Small lighter or waterproof matches

   Compact flashlight or headlamp

   Glow sticks for signaling

5. First Aid and Hygiene

   Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers)

   Pocket tissues and wet wipes

   Hand sanitizer

6. Tools and Equipment

   Small multitool

   Paracord bracelet or coiled paracord

   Folding knife or small fixed-blade knife

   Pepper spray or personal defense tool

7. Communication and Navigation

   Physical map with marked routes home

   Small notepad and pen

   Emergency whistle

8. Miscellaneous

   Sunglasses and dust mask (for urban areas or wildfires)

   USB power bank (for charging devices)

   Small amount of cash ($20-$50 in small bills)

Key Considerations for a Get Home Bag:

Keep it lightweight (10-15 lbs max) to allow for quick movement.

Prioritize stealth; a low-profile backpack is better in urban environments.

Ensure the bag is discreet and does not attract attention.

Final Thoughts: Which One Do You Need?

A Get Home Bag is ideal if you spend a lot of time away from home and need a backup plan to get back in case of an emergency.

A Bugout Bag Is necessary if you ever need to evacuate your home for an extended period and survive on your own.

Ideally, you should have both: a Get Home Bag in your car or workplace and a Bugout Bag ready to go at home. Preparation is key, and having the right gear when disaster strikes can be the difference between safety and struggle.

Stay ready, stay safe!