Go-Bag — Essential Contents and Packing Guide

A go-bag is a pre-packed bag that contains everything essential to survive and function for 72 hours away from home. It is grabbed on the way out in an evacuation and requires no packing decisions in an emergency — those decisions have already been made.

The principle is simple: if you needed to leave in under 5 minutes, what would you need? The answer to that question is your go-bag. The challenge is keeping the bag stocked, accessible, and practical in weight.

The 72-Hour Standard

The go-bag is designed for the first 72 hours of an evacuation. By this point, emergency services typically have established supply and assistance systems. The 72-hour window is the most critical — when you are most on your own.

Everything in the bag should answer one of these questions:

• Does this keep me alive? (Water, food, shelter, warmth)
• Does this keep me informed and connected? (Communications, power)
• Does this enable me to continue functioning? (Documents, medications, tools)
• Does this address specific household needs? (Infant supplies, pet needs, medical equipment)

The Core Items — Every Go-Bag

Water and Hydration

Item	Why	Specification
Water	Immediate survival	1L per person minimum; 2L preferred
Water purification	Extending supply	Chlorine dioxide tablets (10-pack minimum) or Lifestraw filter
Water bottle	Reusable container	1L stainless or BPA-free plastic

Food

Item	Why	Specification
Emergency food	Caloric sustenance	1,500–2,000 kcal/person for 3 days
No-cook food	No heat required	Energy bars, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter
Eating utensils	Basic food access	Spork or spoon; no knife required for most no-cook food

Documents and Information

Item	Why	Specification
Photo ID copies	Identity verification	Passport, driving licence — copies, not originals (keep originals separate or in waterproof pouch)
Insurance documents	Claims, identification	Home, car, health insurance — policy numbers
Emergency contact list	When phone is dead or damaged	Printed; include out-of-area contact
Bank and card information	Account access if cards lost	Account numbers; bank emergency number
Medication list	Medical care away from home	Current medications, doses, prescribing doctor
Medical information	Emergency medical care	Blood type, allergies, known conditions
Cash	When cards don't work	£50–200 minimum; small denominations

Document storage: Use a waterproof, ziplock bag or a purpose-made waterproof document pouch. Documents destroyed in a flood or fire significantly complicate recovery.

Communications and Power

Item	Why	Specification
Charged power bank	Phone longevity	10,000–20,000mAh; full charge before packing
Phone charger cable	Standard charging	For each phone type in household
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio	Information when networks fail	Receives AM/FM and ideally DAB or weather band
Whistle	Emergency signalling	Pealess (Fox 40 type); on lanyard

Shelter and Warmth

Item	Why	Specification
Emergency space blanket	Warmth retention	Mylar; single use is fine; one per person
Emergency bivvy bag	Full-body warmth	Better than space blanket; reusable
Small tarp or emergency shelter	Cover	2x2m minimum; lightweight
Warm layer	Immediate warmth	Fleece or down layer; season-appropriate
Waterproof layer	Rain protection	Compact rain jacket
Hat and gloves	Heat retention	Wool or synthetic

Light and Tools

Item	Why	Specification
Torch (flashlight)	Navigation in dark	LED; waterproof; spare batteries
Head torch	Hands-free light	Particularly useful; spare batteries
Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife	General utility	Pliers, blade, screwdriver minimum
Lighter (2)	Fire; lighting	Disposable; stored in ziplock
Duct tape	Repair, improvised solutions	Small roll; 10m minimum
Cord / paracord	General utility	10m; 3mm or thicker

First Aid

Item	Why	Specification
Basic first aid kit	Minor injury management	Plasters, dressings, triangular bandage, antiseptic wipes
Medications	Personal requirements	7-day supply minimum of ALL regular medications
Pain relief	Basic symptom management	Paracetamol, ibuprofen
Oral rehydration sachets	Dehydration management	4–6 sachets

Hygiene

Item	Why	Specification
Hand sanitiser	Infection prevention	100ml minimum
Wet wipes	Basic hygiene without water	1 pack
Toilet tissue	Basic sanitation	Compact; 1 roll
Basic toiletries	Comfort and function	Toothbrush, toothpaste (travel sizes)
Rubbish bags	Sanitation	2–3 heavy-duty bags

Weight Management

A go-bag that is too heavy will not be taken — or worse, will slow you down and exhaust you. Target weights:

Person	Target Weight
Adult (fit)	10–15kg maximum
Adult (elderly/less fit)	5–8kg
Child (10–14 years)	4–6kg
Child (under 10)	0–3kg (token items only; adults carry their supplies)

Where to cut weight:

• Reduce food to 1,500 kcal/day (survivable; not ideal)
• Choose lightest versions of shelter items (space blanket over bivvy)
• Eliminate redundancy — one torch, not three
• Water weight is non-negotiable — 2kg per litre is unavoidable

Household-Specific Additions

Household Type	Additional Items
Infant	Nappies (3-day supply); formula if applicable; baby food; changing mat
Pet owner	3-day pet food supply; leash; vaccination records; portable water bowl
Medical equipment (CPAP, insulin)	Portable versions; batteries; ice packs for medications
Elderly household member	Comfort items; incontinence supplies if needed; medication list prominently placed
Children	Small comfort toy or book (psychological support); copies of school records

Maintenance Schedule

Task	Frequency
Check power bank charge	Every 3 months
Rotate food and water	Every 6–12 months
Check medication supply and expiry	Every 6 months
Check batteries in torch	Every 6 months
Update documents	When anything changes
Review and practice with family	Annually

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Quick Reference — Core Bag Checklist

Category	Done?
Water (1–2L) + purification tablets
Food (1,500–2,000 kcal per person, 3 days)
Documents (ID copies, contacts, medical)
Cash (£50–200, small notes)
Power bank (full charge) + cable
Battery radio
Emergency space blanket (1 per person)
Torch + spare batteries
First aid kit + personal medications (7-day)
Multi-tool
Lighter (2)
Whistle
Warm layer + waterproof jacket
Hand sanitiser + wet wipes