Frequently, I get asked what is in my GTFH Bags.  My “Get The Fuck Home” bags.

First, GTFH bags are small bags designed to get me from where I am home.  It may be a small bag about the size of a fanny pack or might be as large as a 3 day assault pack.  Which one is with me depends on how far from home I am and intend to be.

So I thought I would build a list of things that you should consider for your GTFH bag and where possible, I will include links to those products at Amazon.

First.  The bags.

Small bag.  I use one that is a little larger than a fanny pack.  This bag is what I carry in the vehicle most of the time.  It contains enough supplies and essentials to get me home, if walking from just about anywhere I would go on a daily basis.

My preferred day bag is the Condor Deployment Bag.  I have two of them.  One for me and one for Tracie.  Mine is almost 10 years old and while faded from the sun (in my topless Jeep) still sturdy and strong.  This bag stays in the cars.  It has just enough “stuff” in it to get us home from any local jaunts we may be on.

The larger, bags we have are a little more equipped and provide longer sustainability.  I like the London Bridge Trading LBT-1476A.  There are several models available including ones without the MOLLE front.  It has enough room to carry 3 days worth of supplies as well as small shelters and self defense items.

There are a few areas that you should never skimp or take shortcuts on when creating your bag.  The bag itself is absolutely one of them.  The other items that fall into this category are tools.   Knives, multi-tools, hatchets and the like.

I will list the items below that are always in my bags.  Always.  Seasons will dictate other items that get put in and taken out as needed and dictated by the time of year.  For example, cold weather requires some additional items, hot weather fewer and different.

The must haves, and the items I personally use I will provide links to purchase them if possible.

Also, the small bag does not have ALL of this stuff in it obviously but some variation on a smaller scale.

Fixed Blade Knife – I love the MoraKniv fixed blade knife.  It is strong, reliable and inexpensive.  Buy several.  No need to spend hundreds of dollars on a knife.  I have never had one of these fail and I have used them extensively when camping and other circumstances.  They come out of the package sharp and take an edge well when sharpening them.

Multi-Tool – This particular one is a small, compact, inexpensive multi-tool that doesn’t replicate your edged tools.  There are several brands out there.  Gerber and Leatherman are the two most notable.  Buy quality though.

Hatchet – This is my personal favorite.  It’s not “tactical” and not a “tomahawk”.  It is a wood cutting and chopping tool.  A little pricey, however to put it in perspective, I have my dad’s Estwing.  I remember using it when I was 8 years old.  That would be 50 years ago.  Still going strong.  Dependable.  Sharp.

Other Items

Hat(s) Summer/Winter depending on season
Gloves (leather or work)
Nalgene bottle WIDE MOUTH
Water Filter
Shemagh – This isn’t to look cool.  Use it to PREFILTER dirty water
Brita Water Bottle – Filters for taste only.
Purification Tablets
Pot for boiling
Tarp, at least 5 x 7 feet (Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply)
Mylar “Space” Blankets (several)
Couple hundred feet of cordage (bank line (my preferred) or paracord)
Folding Knife – good quality.  I like the CRKT M21-04G
Insect Bite Stick
Insect Repellent – I prefer the towelettes as they are easier to pack.
Sunscreen
Hand / Face Towelettes
Sanitary Wet Wipes
Fire Striker
Flashlight that takes common batteries (I like NEBO Brand)
Folding wood/pruning saw.

Other general items…

Duct tape
First Aid stuff – include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal
Tourniquet
Finger nail clippers
Small lengths of electrical wire
Fire Starting Kit (Bic lighter, fat wood, jute twine, wax soaked cotton balls)
Small fishing hooks, small spool of fishing line
Socks, change of clothing
Writing pad/book (moleskine) and pen.
Paper map that covers the areas you may be in ( I keep SE US, Ga, Sc, Tn, Nc, Fl, Al)
Good Old Fashion Compass – If you don’t know how to use it LEARN.
Solar phone charger
Signalling mirror
Whistle
Poncho / Rain protection

Food…

This is always a fun topic.  I like Mountain House foods.  They are available in a multitude of serving sizes.  I keep three days worth of rations in my big bag per person.  You can buy small packages at Walmart and other stores.  Dick’s, Academy, Cabela’s all have them at a substantially higher price.  You can also buy military MREs.  Not my favorite but in a gotta eat situation they work.

For my “day” back I keep Cliff Bars.  Be sure to rotate them out as they expire.

If you have any questions, please feel free to CONTACT ME.

Here’s a video of an older version of my GTFH bag. It has changed, morphed, been added to and taken from over the years.

I also have firearms and a variety of quantities of ammunition with me at all times. Nuff said.

There is no right or wrong. Think about what you may need for a period of time and fill your bag accordingly. This is not a definitive guide. Its just that. A guide. Hope it helps though!