How to Select your Go Bag
Now that you know how to organize your emergency kits, we will discuss the “go bag.”
Our specific requirements to select your emergency go bag or your mini kit bag (to keep in your car or at your workplace) are the same. They must be sturdy and light, have a light inside color and have multiple compartments.
Sturdy
You might use your kit in time of high stress and you obviously need to rely on the robustness of your bag and its different parts: handle, shoulder straps, pockets, zippers and straps.
Lightweight
Remember that you will have to carry your bag, it should be resistant but also lightweight and practical.
Light Interior Color
Select bags with light interior colors, so it is easier to see inside and find your items.
Multiple Compartments
Each item must be stored in a specific compartment of your emergency bag. You need to be able to find items quickly, in the dark or in low visibility and in times of high stress and confusion. Consider our six main categories to organize your emergency bag:
equipment and tools
health
food and water
self-protection
documents and information
comfort and personal items
Select a bag with a balanced mix of large compartments with interior pockets and external smaller compartments.
Additional Tips
Choose a bag large enough to carry your emergency kit leaving extra space to add last minute items. Sizes are usually expressed in liters. Some simple conversions/sizes:
25L = 18in Height x 12in Length x 7in Width
35L = 20in Height x 14in Length x 8in Width
45L = 23in Height x 14in Length x 9in Width
60L = 28in Height x 15in Length x 10in Width
A large bag (over 45L) should have a hip belt to balance the weight between your shoulders and hips.
Select the items you want immediate access to, like a flashlight and your hand sanitizer bottle, and fix them on your bag’s shoulder straps so you can grab and use them without taking off your bag and searching inside.
A small piece of para-cord and a carabiner will allow you to secure these items.
External elasticized side pockets for water bottle are recommended.
External attachments like gear loops, loading straps or MOLLE systems are always very useful to fasten outside your bad for an easy access (MOLLE is an acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, originally designed for military tactical bags).
If your bag doesn’t originally have a reflective strip, add one for a better visibility.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE BAGS TO CONSIDER
Emergency Go Bags
CamelBak Sparta Hydration Pack
30L of cargo, laser-cut Mountain MOLLE and our new 3L, 100oz Mil Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir. It is constructed of 500D Double-Rip Cordura fabric for long lasting durability.
5.11 COVRT18 Tactical Backpack
This bag has interesting features like reinforced grab handle, sunglass pocket and a flip-down ID panel.
High Sierra Xbt-TSA
Large storage space and a lot of compartments, this bag is also very light and resistant.
Emergency Mini Kit (keep in your car or at your workplace)
CamelBak Pivot Roll Top Backpack
Light, resistant and made from 70% repurposed materials (the bag equals 25 plastic water bottles!).
Timbuk2 Lug Knapsack, OS
Main body material is 1000D Sail Cloth; Concealed air mesh shoulder strap offers comfort in a slim profile. Timbuk2 stands behind the legendary quality and craftsmanship of all products.
SHANGRI-LA Hiking Fanny Pack Waist Bag
3 ways design, can be used as shoulder bag, waist pouch or handbag, Molle system pouchs can be attached freely.
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