Nyko's Get Home Kit

This article is to point out the distinction between a Bug Out Bag, aka Grab & Go Bag, Emergency Evac Bag, and a Get Home Kit. I define a Bug out Bag as a short to long-term away from home. A Get Home Kit is an Immediate/Short term kit to get you HOME.

My Get Home Kit is designed to get me from work (or in some folk’s case, from school) back to home. This requires a minimal amount of gear. It wouldn’t be comfortable, but it will work. Each Get Home Kit will be a little different depending on the person’s needs, motivations, goals, and environment. Understand that this article is going to encompass a few different considerations on how to equip your Get Home Kit, and some basic survival tips.

Tip# 1: On your own. When disaster of any type strikes, people tend to lose their minds. It’s best to stay away from people that are running around looting, fighting, and generally going nuts. Personally, I tend to stay away from groups as well, but that’s because I don’t always see eye to eye with groups. I don’t find safety in numbers.

Tip#2: Remain inconspicuous. It’s not a good idea to be noticed. Predators usually go for creatures that look injured or in need of help. Don’t advertise your whereabouts or your gear. Stay clear of gathering spots such as churches, hospitals, malls, shopping centres, etc.

Tip#3: You or Them. It may sound cold hearted, but YOU are trying to get home. It’s not your job to save the world, or even the guy next to you. It’s your job to get home to your loved ones and your gear. Don’t let anyone stand in your way. You’ll have to be hard, callous, and unforgiving. Trust NO ONE.

Tip#4: Be prepared to walk. When disaster strikes, the roadways become gridlock extremely fast, and trust me, you don’t want to be part of it. Be prepared to hole up in your school, place of business, or your car for awhile. Refer to Tip# 2 while you are where you are. Wait until the place is completely involved in chaos or utterly silent before you emerge.

Tip# 5: The Drive to Survive. You and your gear are targets of opportunity. See Tip #2. Brandishing your gear will get you targeted. Keep it covered until you have to use it. If you identify someone(s) that means you harm, run. If you can’t run or hide, wait till they get close and committed. Do not attempt to intimidate them. Simply let them come to you, draw your weapon, and go to work. Do not hesitate. Speed, Surprise, and Violence of Action. These are the keys to winning a fight for your life.

Tip#6: Take your Get Home Kit EVERYWHERE. If you are at work, keep it locked in your car in a case that people can’t get into. The trunk is good. In my case, I have an SUV, so I have a bolted in, pelican case under the carpet. If you run to 7-11 keep it in the car. Anytime you are away from home, Take it with you. End of Story.

Here are the contents of my Get Home Kit. My personal kit is geared to a no-holds-barred approach to getting home. I take no prisoners, and show no mercy. I WILL get home, or die trying. Also understand that the items in this Kit will be redistributed amongst my other carrying preferences such as my Tactical Belt and my 5.11 Vest, so I don't have to buy any new gear. I simply use what I already have in my gear, I just keep the essentials closer to me when I am away from home so that I don't stand out like a sore thumb.

Length: 12 inches
Hieght: 8.5 inches
Thickness: 8.5 inches
Weight: Approx 6 Lbs.

• Jacket
• Shoulder Satchel (Swiss Gas Mask Bag)
• Water bottle
• Aquamira Frontier filter straw
• Bandanna
• Tape stick (Dowel with Duct & Electrical tape on it).
• 12 Hour paracord wrapped glow sticks x2
• Beef Jerky
• Disposable lighter
• Blackhawk Serpa CQC Holster
• 4 8-round 1911 Magazines
• Binoculars (12x25)
• Surefire Tactical Light
• Leatherman Core Tool
• Tac mirror (Mechanics mirror works)
• Surgical gloves x2
• Maps
• Compass
• Primary Lockpick set
• 42gal Trash bags x2
• Personal Trauma kit (Includes quik-clot)
• Packets of Instant Coffee x 3

1. Tape Stick – A wooden dowel with Duct and Electrical tape. The tape can be used for minor repairs, keeping doors open, etc, etc. Tape is always useful.

2. Paracord wrapped Glow Stick – They can be used as diversion or traps, depending on how ruthless you are. Of course, as a light source, they are pretty good as well!

3. Binoculars – A great tool for scouting your area and spotting potential trouble well before it gets to you.

4. Tactical Mirror – Great for seeing around corners without risking your neck.

5. Lockpick set – Between you and your home, there will be many doors. You probably won’t have the keys for them. Train with them before you need them. Bump keys are NOT to be relied on.

6. Trash bags – For waterproofing and camouflage among other things.

7. Personal Trauma Kit – A kit for EMERGENCY FIRST AID for YOURSELF.

8. Weapon(s) – I recommend a good (Read as RELIABLE), pistol and combat knife. Learn to use them effectively.

9. Leather Sling – This is a handy little weapon to use when you need to be quiet, or when a large caliber round will ruin the prey. Also makes it easier to provide distraction so that you can get the hell out of harms way if necessary.

Your Get Home Kit may be a bit different in regards to the Laws of your state/country, your climate, preferences, etc, etc. The basic premise is GETTING HOME. Minimal gear that will do the job.


In Memory of - Civilization

Author - Nykodymus
Editor - theelous3

Something else that I found amusing. My wife usually makes fun of me for taking my "Murse" with me everywhere we go. I just smile and tell her that if the SHTF, I'll probably be home before her and that I'll leave a light on for her.

EDIT: I just added an ASP OC Pepperspray Kobaton to this gear for a less than lethal option. (I know, I'm getting soft in my old age).