I'm going to suggest that we define terms to focus our discussion. As TeacherRO started this thread and cited in that blog article, we should define our GHB as a stand alone kit or as a part of our daily work carryall. It's one step up from EDC gear. But, it's several steps down frm a BOB or even a 72hr. kit. The GHB is for urban commutes on trains, ferry, buses, bikes and foot. It must be light and inconspicuous enough that we will schlepp it every day, without dreading it or calling unwanted attention to ourselves. It may have to pass a security screen search/ x-ray. Thus , I suggest a max weight of ~10-12lb.s of prep gear, including the backpack, not including work related gear.

I view the GHB as my support system to gear me up to safely evac out of the tall, blacked out , smokey, debris strewn, toxic dust filled high rise, mall, theatre or tunnel. So it needs leather/ Nomex gloves, flat N-95 masks, swim googles, small coin cell headlamp and a 2 AA-AAA hand flashlight (Streamlight ProTac 2AA for me) w. Lithium batteries ( no or limited xtra batt.s, too heavy) Xcaper smoke mask, TOPS flat whistle to signal, AMK small signal mirror, Leatherman Blast, Res-Q-me, small two ended pocket screwdriver ( acceptable in venues where LM isn't ). If the LM is a security problem, substitute a smallish needle nose plier. Also a large EMT shears. (A great multipurpose cutting tool. Acceptable even to the TSA).

Next, my GHB needs to patch me up in case of small cuts, blisters,splinters, etc. A boo -boo kit. Self made dental first aid kit ( includes oil of cloves, Temperin, wax, cotton, tea bag) But it also needs a trauma kit ( mine=2 pad, 6"" Izzy Bandage, TK-4 tourniquet , large Quik-Clot Sponge,
10ft.. Gorilla tape( multi purpose), crinkle gauze pack, 5 4"x4"pads, 28 French nasal airway, chest seal bandage, vasoline sterile patch, 3pair nitrile gloves, hot ironed XL yellow bandanna packed in sterile breast milk bag (bandage/sling/mask/signal flag. Prescription meds as necessary, painKillers if Doc wiill give u a scrip, aspirin ( disaster areas are heart attack heavens), generics including Benedryl, pseudeophedrine, caffeine tabs, ( use the last two together for energy boost, if Doc says ur up to it), Advil, antibiotic ointment. etc.
Some carry prescribed antibiotics like Z -max and Cipro. If you or a family member needs it, an Epipen.


Now,I need support to do my walkout or (last resort) bed down: liner socks ( + smart wool in season), siltarp ultra lite poncho or plastic disposable, button compass, map is optional, No extra clothes. Dress appropriate to the weather at the start. Extra eye/ sunglasses, AMK reflective 2 person Mylar type blanket, 25' Kelar cord 400#, 25' Kevlar string, very small am-fm radio to get news/emergency instructions, at least $500 in small bills ( no one's making change in a disaster. It's hard to exaggerate the importance of cash. It can save your life in a mugging, buy an unavailable taxi ride, tow or hotel room in a blizzard, etc.

Minimal food for quick energy: M&Ms , Millennium Bar, energy gel packet. Water is more important. I carry a 27oz. Naglene bottle in a Camelbak insulated sleeve w. belt loop, nested in a small Ti cup. It's usually empty. Also 2 SR plastic water bags, flat folding coffee filter holder+ 3 filters, water pure tabs. 2 Seychelles Advanced water purifier straws. ( I may switch bottles and use a Seychelles Advanced purifier bottle, with the filter kept seperately in a zip lock, so as not to use it when clean water is available for the bottle. )

Miscellaneous gear includes, 90cu in nylon zip bag that be attached to bottom tabs to expand carry capacity, 2 24" cords w. Spring locks for use w. the lash tabs, waterproof pen+ marker, waterproof writing pad 3"x5", small Bic lighter (tape under tab to prevent accidental discharge of the gas), 5 Storm matches+ 2TinderTabs in a small sealed bag, P-38 can opener, very light Brunton Monocular, AND the sundries of everyday life, tissues, travel roll of toilet paper, Wet Wipes, Tide Pen, eye drops, Ricoli , small meds vial for everyday, inhaler, 1 oz. Purell hand sanitizer, floss sticks, ear plugs, flat brush, tums, gum, an expanded small sewing kit in a small zip loc,( hotel kit, sleeve button, xtra needles, some HD thread, needle threader, safety pins), wires and plugs for my cell phone and I -Pad for wall &scar charging. My cell phone has a Mophie aux. batt. Unit case.

All up its ~11lb.s. in my black Tom Binh Synapse with the added bottom lash tabs. Happy prepping.