I am new to the list and want to start by saying howdy <img src="images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I live in New York City and am putting together a Go Bag, to grab if we have to evacuate. I have a good backpack to put it all in, but am looking for ideas on what to put in it. My wife and I have no kids, so far, and do not have a car.

any ideas?

Welcome! I look forward to learning from you!

start with a complete search here. Many threads have discussed this in the past. Make sure to set the date range to all (it defaults to posts within the last week only and that is way too limited. There is a bunch of info here and you will only get the tip of the IceBerg if you limit your search to the last week.

Ideas That I remember from past discussions, some of which I use tho I'm not urban for either my job or home.

alternative transport - Bicycle is a good choice here get something for dual use - street bikes are too fragile and mountain bikes are not built for comfortable distance.

Building escape is more important that city escape.

Evacu-8 hood

Prybar

Zip-ties

Cordage -Everything from escape-rapelling through building stabilization to shelter tying has been considered and discussed. I carry enough for shelter construction but don't worry about building stabilization or escape rapelling since I work in single story and live in single story.

Work Gloves

Dust Mask

Goggles

Flashlights - Everything from flood-lights to keychain lights has been discussed. I have with me a 2XAA Maglite, an ASP saphire keychain light, a Photon II, and a Ray-o-Vac headlamp

Blades - multitool. I am a fan of the Leathereman Wave but this is a point of passionate debate on this forum and the two that seem to get the most press here are the SwissTool and the Wave. I also carry a camp-knife folder and some smaller Xacto type blades.

Water, Water, Water

Water purification means - filter, iodine or chlorine tablets, means to boil water Seem to be preferred in that order.

Water Carry options - Hydration bladder, Soda Bottles, Army canteen - Something. - Something to drink from - (small) and something to carry volumes with for sanitation etc. Something collapsible is best for the carry duty.

Power bars, granola bars, MRE, Mainstay Rations, Big jar of Goober - Some calorie dense food with a long shelf-life.

Copies of important documents like insurance, lisences, passports, birth-certificates, Credentials, wills, titles, etc

Copies of important documents like survival instructions, maps, phone-call lists, destinations, Meeting / messaging plans between you and spouse incase you are separated.

I have only scratched the surface of what is to be found in this archive. Please do a search of all posts with the keyword Urban and you will get more than you can read in an afternoon and all of it good!

Welcome and I am sure I will be learning from you soon!

Welcome to the forum. We have few guys here from NYC . What do you want your bag to do? Usually guys here are already well prepared with everyday carry such as multitools, folders, PSKs (personal survival kit), FAKs (first aid kits), flashlights, radios and whatever strikes you fancy. Some guys on this forum have key chains that would make McGuyver blush. For most of us Grab bag consist of more clothing, food and water. You have to figure out if grab bag is going to be used as your only and last resort or if it is going to be an addition to your everyday carry.

Matt

previos interesting threads

daily carry for brooks brothers brigade

Urban survival kit

another USK

another BOB

Grab N Go bags

Backpacking / BOB

Stuff

Just search - there's more!

Great starting list of past posts MiniMe.

This forum has so much available in the searchs you can literally spend many days reading and compiling your own list.

One thing that I consider all important in an Urban kit is money. Small money not just big bills. I carry three rolls of gold dollars and a roll of quarters as I tend not to spend them on stuff. Seems I always spend my folding money but always have the $75 in dollar coins....a bit heavy but I always have it. In addition I try and have at least $50 in assorted bills, but more would be better.

The other thing that I consider essential is a list of emergency contacts both in state and out-of-state. One of these should be the primary contact for messages. Agreed upon meeting sites with expectations should also be worked out with all family members. Some sort of communication plan should be in place with all family members also.

I follow an expanding model of items in my Urban kits. This means an on-body kit, a shoulder bag, a desk kit, a car kit, a home kit....each getting more comprehensive. My on-body kit is enough to get me out of the building and set up adequately. If I can add my desk kit or shoulder bag I am is great shape for at least 2-3 days.

I tune my kits for my expected scenarios (earthquake mostly), so shelter is the prime component followed by communications (HAM gear). Sharps, fire, signaling, repairs, gloves, extra clothing and first aid round out the basic gear.

I have actually begun this exercise "on paper," and here's what I've come up with so far for my own circumstances:

http://www.roblester.com/rob/bugout.htm