Go Bag - Mom Edition

Here is my personal Go Bag.  Inside are things not listed on the 72 hour kit post as this is for longer term needs.  I have the bag set up for 7+ days.

Now this picture doesn't show everything in my bag but a small sampling of the items I have in there.  From the picture you can see I have food (long term food bars as well as homemade MREs), water (both a canteen, purifying tablets and a life straw), hygiene items (female urinary device, toothbrush/paste, first aid kit etc) and some weather gear (poncho, fire starters and thermal blanket).

I have tools in my bag that would be needed should I have to hike to safety.  Items like a compass, knives, extra socks, gloves, etc.

Also I carry extras for Roo should something happen and her bag gets lost.  (Remember she is only 2 years old so she can't carry her own supplies.)  These extras are things like training pants (Vacuum sealed to compress them so they don't take up a lot of room in my bag.), toddler snacks, small toys, weather gear for her etc.  Since she has short little legs and can't walk as fast or as far as I can I have been debating tucking my Ergo carrier in my bag.  The only down side to this is with my Go-Bag I'd have to carry her on my chest. 

For a list of items to have in your own bag please refer to my 72-hour kit post.

Go Bag - Dog Edition
Go Bag - Toddler Edition

Go Bag - Dog Edition

Since my dog is a big part of my little family she needs her own supplies should we need to evacuate.  This can pose a problem.  Just like us Winter would need food and water as well as any medications and important documents(vaccine records etc).  This is added weight in my pack that will carry the bulk for Roo and I.  The solution is to get Winter her own packs and train her to carry them with some of her own supplies.

Now the rule of thumb for dog packs is they should carry no more than 1/4 to 1/3 the dog's body weight in supplies.  Winter is about 25-27 lbs depending on if she likes her kibble.  This puts her load weight at 6-9 lbs total- about 3-4 lbs on each side of the packs.  This could be a 4 lb bag of dry kibble on each side or some water bottles.  Making sure we get the most out of this weight limitation is very important.

The other option is a travois.  Now this has its own set of issues since we live in a very rocky mountain area.  This would have to be a project for another time...

Winter's Go Bag:

• freeze dried dog food
• water bottles/ purification tablets
• collapsible bowl
• dog hiking booties
• bed roll
• tick key
• first aid kit
• toys
• treats

There are a lot of food options out there for humans as well as dogs!  Doing the research for the right food for Winter's bag was a long and stressful process.  I narrowed the field to freeze dried and dehydrated dog foods to help make the most of the weight limit in the packs.  Since Winter is a picky eater I know it has to be something she will eat verses an untested food.  I had to contact lots of dog food companies for info and samples to see what would work.  The brands I couldn't get samples for I had to buy small packages and try them out that way.

Now for longevity in Winter's packs food had to be packed in mylar with an oxygen absorber or vacuum sealed with my Foodsaver.  It will keep for a while and have to be rotated out but not as soon as if I left everything in their manufactures packaging.  These methods will work for dry kibble if this is your preferred food.

There are lots of resources online as to what to pack for your dog in their Go Bag but I feel it can be a bit personal.  Everyone cares for their dog differently so what you pack may be completely different from what I packed for Winter.

Here are some links to help you if you decide a Go Bg is right for your dog.

Dog Bug Out Bag | Preparing Your Pet in Case of Emergency

Bug-out bag for dogs: are both you and your dog ready?

Go Bag - Toddler Edition

Roo and I live in the middle of nowhere on a mountain.  Since there is a national forest below us on the mountain there are campgrounds.  Campgrounds draw all types even the moronic- those people who have no clue as to how to start, maintain and/or put out a camp fire.  Whatever the reason be it they are too drunk, stoned or just stupid these people are a real threat to our way of life.  That is why I have set up "Go Bags" for Roo and myself.  A Go Bag is also known as a Bug Out Bag (BOB) or a Get Out Of Dodge Bag (GOOD Bag).

Roo is my heart so her bag was the first to be completed.  It is a small mini backpack normally sold as a purse to teen girls.  I found it at a thrift store in near perfect condition.  It has padded straps and 2 pockets.  I like it over the cartooned backpacks because it is made from a heavier fabric like a normal canvas backpack.

As far as the contents...

• Britta Kids filtering water bottle
• hydration drink powder sticks
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• fruit snacks
• raisins
• juice boxes
• kids first aid kit with bug repellent wipes
• crayons and paper pad
• glow sticks

Since Roo is only a toddler I can't over load her little back with everything she would really need in a Go Bag.  I have put a few things in her bag that she can carry and would not be an issue should her bag be lost or misplaced along the road.  Also in her bag but not pictured is a small plush toy just for her bag.  This is like letting her bring a bit of home with us should we have to leave due to fire or other disaster.


*Added to my bag for safe keeping are copies of important documents, 3-7 days food, water, changes of clothing (vary depending on weather) and a more extensive first aid and survival kit.