Is Gorilla Tape Sold At Rite Aid?

Those mylar blankets, I took a challenge to spend a few days in early spring using no shelter other than 5 mylar blankets (which I thought would be plenty)–they not only failed to keep me warm but by the end of the first day tears and rips had started and by day 2 they had huge holes in them (and all I did was try to use them as top cover, ground cover, and blanketing). If I didn’t have a fire I would have been absolutely miserable(er). However you plan to use them, get an extra set and field test it, just to make sure you’re expectations are reasonable.

very good article. get home kits are a big deal to me and ive done several vids on them. i loved that you have the sillcock key and electrolytes. i really like your thoughts on water storage. some comments: 1.a pair of actual wire cutters is important. there are way more fences and locked gates in your path than folks think. that multitool will cut a fence a few time but will dull quickly. 2. those rations are all carbs. i like a large jar of peanut butter, boxes of raisins, and cliff bars, replaced annually. 3. tennis shoes in case the wife is wearing pretty but hard-to-walk-in pumps. 4. gray-man disguise for the wife. baseball cap, baggy jacket and something to put her hair up. dont want her to look like a woman. 5. additional backpacks for the other family members to spread the load.

Great article. Like the fact that you have two bags. I grew up in Huntington Beach and lived in Murrieta until I moved to East Tennessee in 2003. Understand the heat! My bags have changed. 😎 I drive an SUV, so in the back I keep a tote with food, water, TP, gaffer’s tape (like duct tape but wider and stronger), and a few other things (car tools – sockets, wrenches). In my bag I keep a change of clothes, sh00ter’s gloves, base layer upper and lower, an LLBean rain slicker (heavy duty), a hat and balaclava, a 3rd mag and a 250 box for my other tool, a multi tool, mini sawyer, folding and fixed knife, basic first aid kit with additions: sutures, 4×4 gauze pads, super glue and an arm sling. There is room to add the food and water if needed. Also have cordage, a hikers hammock, a zip baggie of assorted size nails(8 and 16 penny) and S hooks. Great for putting on a hinge to keep a door from closing. Also an emergency blanket and a few other things, fire starters etc. I work 10 miles drive, 6 as the crow flys form home so should not need more than that. Thanks to this article I realize I am lacking lighting. Plan to add a 1000 lumen headlamp and a 500/300 flashlight. And I need to get a water spigot key. Great idea! 👍👍 The bag comes in at only 22 pounds. My bug out bag, in comparison, is 48 not counting full med kit, carbine mag shoulder bag and carbine. And yes, I practice carrying this so that I can in an emergency. Thanks again for the great article. Proves we can always learn something.

Very solid system. Too many people just fill their bag with “cool” stuff. Tip – I always wrap my lifeboat rations in a shirt and seal in another bag – I’ve had several of them lose their vacuum seal. But I move my bag often from car to car which is probably why I’ve had this problem. Can also add lifeboat water pouches so you don’t have to rotate water as often. Another tip – I mark key locations on my map (for areas I might travel to) just in case I need something. I mark grocery stores, sporting goods stores, hardware stores, and whatever else you can think of that might be beneficial. I have several routes home planned out – depending on what type of emergency there is – I also drive them all often so I’m familiar with the route. This way I’m familiar with distances and where some good places might be for shelter (I would have a 2-3 day walk).

Very complete. Great job!! One thing I would add would be whistles, maybe one for each family member. You want to be able to signal, and if you were stuck or trapped due to an earthquake you want people to find you. Minor detail. Speak to a sports official and learn how to blow a whistle properly. I also have wool blankets for each family member in the large car bag. Thanks for sharing.

1. A Go-Girl for those humans who can’t write their names in the snow. 2. I have to be gluten-free, so instead of the high-calorie food bars, I bought the EPIC meat jerky bars and a couple of wheat-free Mountain House meals. Small cans of tuna or Vienna sausage work well. Gum is good. For plain calories, get dollar-store bags of candy. 3. Every tummy med under the sun. Or at least the Pepto-Bismol chewables. 4. For us folks in rainier areas… bug repellent! You can get it in pre-moistened wipes. I was lucky enough to find wipes in individual packets. 5. Electrolytes: Trace Minerals makes very good individual packets of multi-vitamin drink mix. 6. If you’re so inclined, vet-grade amox…. and doxycy…. are available online. 7. Solar blow-up lantern. These are cool, and they are better for illuminating a space like a tent, than a flashlight. 8. Money — Silver coins, preferably American Eagles or Canadian Maples (currently ~$35 each, yikes). If you’re feeling brave, you can carry a breakable bar (Valcambi) where you can break off smaller increments of silver. If you’re feeling spicy, carry a few golden grams (about $80 each).

Great article! Ive been working recently on my get home bag and you reminded me of important items I should add, like sunblock, the radio and walkie talkies. I use the Osprey Porter 55 travel bag, I like how the straps tuck in so they don’t catch on things in my car and, how I can attach one of the day lite packs, for one of my kids to carry. I also keep 2 empty, lightweight backpacks inside to redistribute items for my kids to carry and help lighten my load.

Great article! I like your website a lot, and have learned quite a bit for you sharing your perspective. Two comments on your get home bag: I think you need fire-starting gear. Also, you really need a city map. Your travel will be much longer (and more risky) if you have to stick to major roads, and off of those you’ll be confounded by closed loops, dead ends and terrain-induced disruptions in roadway paths when you’re off your familiar travel route. A city map is a crucial piece of kit.

I no longer have to drive to a job. These days, if I did have to commute to work, I would have in my vehicle a change of outdoor sports clothing/shoes, a folding bicycle, a bike helmet, a spare magazine (filled) for my conceal carry, a small bike repair kit and tire pump, a small first aid kit and a disposable rain poncho of the right length to wear while riding the bike. The bicycle would be fitted with a water bottle holder and a headlight. I would store a quart bottle of Gatorade at work and use that to stay hydrated on my bike ride. My focus would be to get to my home or a friend’s or relative’s home (pre-arranged), no matter the weather and as soon as possible while staying hydrated during the journey. I would not be carrying a kit of camping gear/survival gear and I would not be planning to slowly walk 10 to 20 miles when I had the option of traveling more quickly on a bike and using paths, secondary roads or sidewalks to get past highway traffic jams. The sooner I could get away from a disaster zone or away from an urban setting that had complete a power outage, the better. I would not want to be in a disaster zone and away from home once the sun set.

1-55 gal drum liner really comes in handy when you are SOL. If in SO CAL up in the mountains and winter hits. Mini – meds kit needs improving. Remember that carb loading when ill trying to get home can be deadly. Save the sun shields from your annual eye check. They may keep you from falling when walking near cliffs due to sun glare. Extra socks if not worn can be first part water filtration to remove debris before fine filtration for drinking water. Small red light blinkers for front and rear person when walking on the road. Don’t forget a Winter Kit for the vehicle too.

I dont have kids, but if I did I would have the small shoulder strap bags for each person also. Not only would it help distribute the load but you would be able to carry more gear, like water, food. I would also think about haveing good pounchos, military grade for the adults that would double as shelter for you all if it was needed. I like how organized your set up is, nice job.

I have a disability which affects my walking so I always carry a pair of crutches in the trunk of my car just in case I would have to leave my car and walk longer distances. And, just a note regarding crutches . . . regularly check the paddings (for hands and under armpits) and rubber tips on the end of the crutches for cracking or wear so they can be replaced if necessary. Crutches are of no use if they cannot be used, or if they are not comfortable to use.

I’m one of the brave prepper’s on here that post articles. I always enjoy perusal other prepper people, it helps to build a community of good ideas and we can make a good analysis of what others are coming up with. Just let me add to the idea of having small source of water and food stored in locations only you know where they are, is a very good idea. It can be harder in some hell scape city, but more in the country can be a very technique to use. A desert environment as well.

I had a dream last week that an EMP hit and as I was driving down the busiest street in my city everyone’s cars just stopped. Everyone got out of their cars, no cell phones worked, it was like a movie, and all I remember saying is “this is it”. So now I am finally prepping my emergency bag for the car and one for my husband’s car too.

I feel like you’ve never walked home before… you need some comfortable shoes, granola bars and water. You’re not gonna be sawing down trees and purifying water. Classic example of diminishing returns carrying all that heavy gear for a simple walk home. Also, the pliers on your gerber will open valves no need for the water key.

Great vid. For me, if it was bad enough to hike home, I’d want something more that mace or a kubaton for self defense. My preference would be to have a carbine and a pistol. Greyman and evasion techniques must be employed especially in and around urban areas. We’ve too many examples of situations going “Lord of the Flies” in pretty short order.

Having lived in the Inland Empire for a few years previously, I can appreciate summers and winters in that area (lived in Riverside, but worked from Oceanside to Corona and such). The tabs are a good reference tool! A few questions, if I may – given the “commonality” of most gear, across-the-board, and factoring in “age appropriate” gear for younger members, I do understand as the head of household, you are literally shouldering quite a bit. How much are the rest carrying and would you redistribute it differently? Does your spouse carry any? And, other than fun excursions out somewhere, are you “stocked up” for a “get home” situation/have a “get home” plan(s)/route(s)? Perhaps caches/stashes with prep friends could be a consideration on such routes?

I enjoy perusal these articles, because it helps me to plan what I have, what still I need and what I don’t want. Also, your calm is very refreshing. There’s no hype, no desperation and no “do it now or else you won’t survive” kind of tone. It’s always a good idea to cross-reference this kind of article with other people’s ideas, as well. Sometimes there are items mentioned in one article that are missed in someone else’s. Or, more often, some of the items are legal in one country but illegal elsewhere. I would like to know your take on defence in a situation where no weapons are allowed or available. As an example; the only item in this section that I could carry in my country, without getting a license or arrested, is a catapult.

😃❤ Really great stuff. A pen however does not work in freezing conditions, a pencil does. Include a couple of pencils and a sharpener. 🙂 AfterBite is a great product to apply externally after any small insect bites. Over the counter at any pharmacy. I would include Benadryl in the bag, in case of allergic reactions, it does help. 🙂 I would also include cough drops, and tic-tac-toe candy. A dry troat is never comfortable. 🙂 Small snacks and water bottles in a cooler, helps them not freeze in the winter. Also protects them from rodents that yes will smell food, eventually. Yes small rodents can find their way into a car. 🙂 I would also have a recent picture of every family member. Because if somehow someone gets separated, a picture is far better and faster, then giving a description. 🙂 I would also suggest some good hicking shoes, good socks, warm sweat pants, sweat shirt, and a jacket, because if you had to walk a long distance, office attire might be most uncomfortable, moreso for the ladies. 🙂 Keep a very warm blanket as well, in case you need to be staying in the car, and a lighter or matches, to be able to make a fire, in case you need to camp out while help arrives.

Former security guard. I’ve had one of those Kubotans used on me by a criminal in a fight. They’re not super effective unless you’re some kind of martial arts guru. She tried to stab me with it, but the handle was so slim it just slipped out of her hand as it connected. If you want an impact/get-back weapon, I’d recommend a Stinger self defense whip or a flashlight with a really aggressive bezel. It you swap the RATS tq with a swat t elastic TQ, you’ll be able to do a lot more in regards to first aid and it has the instructions printed directly onto the TQ so no fumbling with an instruction sheet. I had to use one on an obese gunshot patient whose leg ballooned up due to internal bleeding because the NAR CAT TQ was too small to get around his thigh. (Gangbanger got shot in the leg in a drug deal gone wrong. Also, if you’re gonna carry pepper spray, you should really carry at least 1 Sudecon mace neutralizer wipe with you in case of accidental contamination. Hope this helps you.

Also, as an RN who thinks first aid, if someone is having chest pain then give them 4 chewable baby aspirin and have them rest. Add it to your first aid kit. You cannot imagine how many heart attacks occur on hunting trips because the rigors of climbing and “thinner air” (less oxygen) pushes a sick heart to a reduced supply of oxygen to the heart. Stress (of bugging out and carrying a pack) can also increase the demand on the heart. That person needs an air or ground ambulance immediately but 4 chewable baby aspirin could save their life. ( Most men will not say they are having chest pain…it’s true, and will finally drive themselves to the hospital. 12 years of cardiac nursing, I know this for a fact). You make the judgement if your fellow hiker looks bad, take over their denial and call or transport. But! you cannot give CPR while driving your personal vehicle but EMS can start treatment of nitroglycerin, fluids, oxygen, and morphine, while in route to a hospital. Thanks. Be a good neighbor.

One thing you need to remember is that having water in a plastic jug during the summer is dangerous because of all the plastics chemicals that leak into the water. I know in an emergency it won’t matter but if you have a fliter it would be better. Also after awhile it tastes very funky, probably those chemicals

An Everstart Max jumpter power pack is a great thing to have in the car. It’s not too heavy, but has a great car jump starting ability, a 110 v AC inverter, USB ports, light, and tire pump. I’ve used the new one I got in January and was really surprised how well it works. I keep it inside most of the time as to not freeze or roast it in the truck, but it goes for trips that aren’t local.

Consider adding the following: In order to preserve your cash, get a gift credit card (if credit cards are accepted) that you can use instead of regular credit card for small purchases An eyeglass repair kit a generic set of B&W business cards – which you can create at home with perforated business card sheet templates – with only your first name and cellphone number(s) for emergency services personnel, etc.

You did a great job with giving us suggestions for a well-prepped get home bag. One suggestion though: lots of preppers recommend getting the $30 Baofeng ham radio to communicate in an emergency. But you make it seem like you’ll just turn it on in an emergency and start talking to your loved ones or rescuers many miles away. Those devices have limited range to maybe a few miles of line of sight communication. To have a chance at going further you need to connect to a repeater. This isn’t something you will figure out on the fly. The truth is, you need to be able to practice using the devices ahead of time to properly use them. In order to do that, you need to get the first level ham license, called technician class license. This will allow you to legally practice ahead of time so that if you do need it you are set up and good to go. Thanks again for the suggestions.

You may want to consider adding an N95 mask for each person and goggles of some sort (both the mask and goggles protect your eyes from airborne particulates, think wild fires), small tote backpacks that each person can use to distribute the load, extra socks, packable down vest or jacket per person, a GoGirl for females needing to go to the bathroom without needing to squat, a titanium hand trowel to dig a cat hole, and better food options, even just come Cliff Bars!

heyreally loved the article really sad i missed it when it 1st aired BUT really great info. but 1 thing i wanted to ask (i dono if ull answer) have you ever practiced this getting home option ever? only risining im asking is because sometime will find out urere missing sometihng u really wished u had, u you find out u never needed said item. (or tryed said items to seee if they really ever worked like who u hoped?

Like to point out, in the U.S., it is unlawful to take ANY MEDICATION, out of it’s original container. Almost every state, and federal law, can charge you for even having aspirin out of it’s original container. All prescription drugs must be in original container or police can/will charge you with drug offenses.

My car is a full sized SUV with a powerful engine. Supercharged Toyota 4runner. Better tires Goodyear Wrangler. It has an ARB front bumper with a good winch in it. I has similar rear and a revamped better suspension. Goes almost anywhere. If I don’t drive it home I ain’t gettin there. It has ac outlets and cigarette lighter type plug in. So if I can keep it running It’s cool. I carry about what you carry except I have a pair of FRS radios one for Dolly and one for me. I have good lighting and glow sticks. I have to have meds so… and I am disabled. I have to be extra careful. I have concealed Carry license. and like you said a good sheath knife. and I collect Leatherman tools so I always have one in a pocket or on my belt and both of our packs have one in them. And yes my wife can go bang too. As soon as I figure out how I will add water. My travel trailer of course has 40 gals. But thanks for reminding me about survival rations in the car.

Through hikers spend months walking thousands of miles on the PCT carrying weigh less gadgets than you have for a 2 day bag. Here’s the reality: You need to be warm and dry as hypothermia kills far more lost hikers than not having a silly “tactical” pen. You need water, ideally 8 liters a day. You need energy to move, but mostly to stay warm, so you need some food. So carry in the trunk in an old duffle bag or pack (or even a garbage bag works) a tarp, a bottle of water, an old aluminum pot with a lid, a bic lighter, a couple candles, some Cliff bars, a knife, some string, a roll of duct tape, a warm change of clothes (rain/snow gear if location dictates), and your old pair of hiking boots that are still pretty good but you bought new ones cause they were on sale. You don’t need to spend $250.00 – $1000.00 on 15 lbs of stuff you’re not gonna need. You probably already have what you need kicking around in a closet or a drawer at home. Or, if you are a hiker, just load your backpack and keep it in the trunk. (Tactical pen, LMAO!)

Great article, thank you. How much does your bag weigh? I make sure mine is15 lbs., or less. Well explained, not rushed, article nicely depicted what you were explaining. Real life uses: 1. My daughter has a bag in her car, had it when a blizzard hit and stopped traffic out in the boonies up north on the interstate; 2. Tropical storm came through flooding roads at the valley of a hilly interstate trapping cars at the top of the highway. So, an SHTF situation can occur locally and the bag has many uses. Thanks again.

Mystery Ranch UA21 for me – big enough to carry everything I need and nothing I don’t, side effects of that is it keeps the weight down. For the days I walk to the range I break down my Terminus Zeus/MDT LSS folder with .308/6.5CM barrels in it – keeps me from showing EVERYONE that I have firearms in my apartment. Great bag, highly recommend it for anyone.

It’s a comment that’s late to the party, but hopefully will help someone. I bike a lot. There are some folding bicycles that are pretty good now. Montague bikes and Flatbike are even full sized bikes. My get home bag is a large duffel bag, but it’s contents are prepacked into a pair of panniers and front panniers. I’m getting home, but Shane’s mare is the last resort.

Wish we could add pictures… I stripped down a golf bag change wheels to aggressive no air.. welded a bottom attachment tray.. mounted a old school ruck sack and above another plate that is Molly set up.. put a collar on the handle and used bicycle handle bar from a 20″ kids bike.. I can push or pull over most any terrain. Besides my personal bob I can make this thing an inch bag.. I have put upwards to 200lbs on this and rolls great. Most of the weight on the test was water.. works better than the 2 wheel hand truck I tried out.. If it gets to cumbersome I could always attach a couple long poles and do the rickshaw thing

I would advise tablet stimulants over a powder that requires water… You may not be able to replace the water you use for it, and most stimulants are diuretics to begin with. So you’d be using water to ingest substance that will deplete your body of water. Just my first thoughts… Edit: Also a zipper repair kit! There’s nothing worse than having to carry a full backpack with broken zippers! (Minimal space, value far outweighs weight/space cost)

Doesn’t like to carry batteries he says… yet says typical commute is 16 miles… 16 miles at 3mph walking speed is 5 to 6 hrs. Most flashlights and headlamps will only last an hour to 3 hrs… so at least half of your journey home will be in the dark… or you will have to stop for several hours to recharge your lights before they have enough charge for you to continue… learn from soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan… carry batteries, tons of batteries. You WILL need them.

In my car bag: I keep a battery jump starter. It is smaller than battery cables, very light weight, and only costs about 2-3 more than a good set of battery cables. It does not require another good car battery to jump your own car battery. It keeps a charge for a long while (couple of months) and it can be recharged by electric plug at home, using a USB port, or through the lighter plug in your car while it’s running.

I enjoyed your article, I have been wanting a small carry bag for when we go into town, but for our trips across the state I use a Husky roll around tool box with an extendable handle that I can pull behind me if necessary, it contains every bit of what you covered, a fold able boom stick and much more. I am not quite as young as you (I am in my 70’s) so I opted for the roll around tool box so that I don’t have to carry a heavy load, of course that does limit my avenues of trekking. Keep up the great work.

I live in the east southern area and the fear of water in its plastic containers concerns me especially our summer months. So I got a costco large thermos ( sorry i dont remenber its capacity at this time). I filled it with kagen ph water, thats what i place in my car. I have been checking on taste and its ph every 3 to 4 months and its been good/stable. Hopefully someone can say yeah or neigh as this was my own solution regarding leaving plastic water bottle in car.

Everything looked great…. It works for you and your situation. That is the key. Keeping your Road-Side Repair items in a pack?? Just to share and compare: My RSR items are in a mid sized Tupperware container. I wouldn’t bring any of those items along after egressing my vehicle. Next….. You didn’t mention extra ammo and spare clips…. (Although you might have these in your pack or pockets upon leaving your vehicle). I have both in my pack. Finally…… You didn’t mention gun care and cleaning kit. Again, you might have these items? I put together a mini cleaning kit. With presoaked solvent and lub patches in separate lock-tight baggies. Great to see you have a sillcock key. Have you tried using the pointed pliers on your multi tool?

Not the right direction my friend! Remember you are walking home and you can make the walk in one day or hours. You got the wrong items. Raincoat, a hat and bandanna, duck tape for blister, walk-in stick, food energy bar, no can and stove, water, Gatorade or electrolytes, map if you are new to the area. Everyone has their own bag, if it is not the apocalypse you follow the road. Never take a forest shortcut when the road is the safest path! And keep a pair of sneakers in your trunk. This is a hot weather get home bag.

That tourniquet needs to be on the outside of the pack ready to grab. If you need to help someone that has a spraying arterial bleed, by the time you dig your tourniquet out of the ziploc bag that sits inside a pouch that sits inside a pack that sits on your back, your patient is dead. A backup tourniquet can be inside your FAK.

Those Coast Guard food bars taste like chemical sludge! I’d toss in some granola bars, nuts, a couple MRE’s, something, but NEVER those nasty bars! I also have a Camillus Hide machete as you should already have a pocket knife on you. How much ammo for the gun. I have these Baseball sized zippered change pouches like containers that I toss in extra ammo (45acp 60 – 80 rounds, 9mm 100 – 120, and 22 WMR 200 – 250, and 22lr about 300+) and leave it in the bottom of the bag that the particular the gun goes with.

Tincture of benzoin. It toughens skin, helps to dry out lanced blisters and keeps blister caps from moving around (super glue too). I’ve used it on blisters. It helps. I’ve just about completed my bag and you brought up some good points: a good light, some very light rain ponchos (or HD garbage bags) and taser/pepper spray, more food. The life boat rations taste good and they are calorie dense but the packaging isn’t as tough as it looks so protect them and check them often. I live up north so tree nuts, dried fruit and jerked meat work well for me. I gotta put some freeze dried coffee, airborne-on-the-go and cocoa in the go bag too. I liked the presentation. I’m fairly impressed with Zippos with the butane inserts but I have to evaluate them before endorsing. Vaseline impregnated cotton balls and Frito corn chips burn a long time for starting fires. Some stout wool socks and a little Desenex are also advised. Madison Supply medical shears are a great tool for many reasons. Also, research solutions and train for tension-pneumothorax. Good on you for packing a tourniquet.