Your Complete Go Bag Checklist

What to Pack: The Complete Go Bag List

Category 1: Water & Food

Water (most critical):

  • 1 gallon per person for 3 days = 3 gallons per person

  • This is HEAVY (24 lbs), so balance portability with need

  • Practical approach: Pack 2-3 water bottles (6-9 lbs) plus water filtration method

Water storage options:

  • Reusable water bottles (Nalgene, Hydro Flask)

  • Collapsible water containers (save space when empty)

  • Water pouches (designed for emergency kits)

Water filtration:

  • Sawyer Mini water filter or LifeStraw ($20-40)

  • Water purification tablets (backup)

  • Knowing how to find and treat water extends your supply

Food (3 days of non-perishable):

  • High-calorie, nutrient-dense

  • No cooking required (or minimal)

  • Foods your family will actually eat

Best options:

  • Protein bars, granola bars, energy bars

  • Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit

  • Jerky (beef, turkey, plant-based)

  • Peanut or almond butter (individual packets or jar)

  • Crackers and shelf-stable cheese

  • Tuna or chicken packets (no can opener needed)

  • Instant oatmeal packets (just add hot water)

  • Freeze-dried camping meals (if budget allows)

  • Hard candy (morale boost, quick energy)

Don't pack:

  • Foods requiring refrigeration

  • Foods with strong odors (if you might be in shelters)

  • Foods in glass containers (heavy, breakable)

  • Foods your family won't eat under stress

Special dietary needs:

  • Gluten-free options

  • Vegetarian/vegan protein sources

  • Baby formula (if applicable)

  • Food for allergies

Category 2: Shelter & Warmth

Clothing:

  • 2-3 changes of clothes per person

  • Underwear and socks (multiple pairs)

  • Sturdy shoes (walking/hiking shoes)

  • Weather-appropriate layers (jacket, rain gear)

  • Hat and gloves (if cold climate)

  • Extra pair of glasses (if you wear them)

Packing tip: Use compression bags to save space

Shelter/sleeping:

  • Emergency blanket (mylar/space blanket - compact and warm)

  • Sleeping bag (if space allows) or compact blanket

  • Emergency tent or tarp (if space allows)

Personal hygiene:

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)

  • Soap or body wipes

  • Deodorant (travel size)

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Toilet paper (partial roll in ziplock bag)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Sunscreen and insect repellent

Category 3: First Aid & Medications

Basic first aid kit:

  • Adhesive bandages (various sizes)

  • Gauze pads and medical tape

  • Antibiotic ointment

  • Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

  • Antihistamine (Benadryl or generic)

  • Anti-diarrheal medication

  • Antacid

  • Tweezers and scissors

  • Disposable gloves

  • Instant cold pack

Personal medications:

  • 7-day supply of ALL prescription medications (minimum)

  • Copy of prescriptions

  • List of medications, dosages, and why you take them

  • Contact information for your doctors and pharmacy

Special medical equipment:

  • EpiPen (if severe allergies)

  • Inhaler (if asthma)

  • Insulin and supplies (if diabetic)

  • Hearing aids and extra batteries

  • Any other critical medical devices

Category 4: Tools & Safety

Light sources:

  • LED headlamp or flashlight (hands-free is best)

  • Extra batteries or hand-crank flashlight

  • Glow sticks (backup light, no batteries needed)

Communication:

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA weather alerts)

  • Portable phone chargers (at least 2, fully charged)

  • Solar charger (if budget allows)

  • Charging cables for all devices

  • List of important phone numbers (written down - don't rely on phone)

Tools:

  • Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

  • Duct tape (wrap around pencil to save space)

  • Paracord or rope (50-100 feet)

  • Whistle (for signaling help - 3 blasts is universal distress signal)

  • Local maps (paper - GPS may not work)

  • Compass

  • Work gloves

Safety items:

  • N95 masks or respirators (for smoke, dust, or disease)

  • Emergency contact information

  • Copies of ID (driver's license, passport)

  • Small fire extinguisher (if space allows)

Category 5: Documents & Money

Critical documents (in waterproof bag):

  • Copies of ID (driver's license, passport, birth certificates)

  • Insurance policies (home, health, life, auto)

  • Medical records and vaccination records

  • Bank account information and credit card info

  • Property deed or lease

  • List of important contacts

  • Recent photos of family members (for identification if separated)

  • Photos of your home and possessions (for insurance claims)

Money:

  • Cash in small bills ($200-500)

  • Coins for parking meters, vending machines, pay phones

  • Credit cards

  • Checkbook (some places may not take cards)

Digital backup:

  • USB drive with scanned documents

  • Access to cloud storage (if internet available)

Category 6: Personal & Comfort Items

For mental health and morale:

  • Family photos

  • Small comfort items for children (small toy, blanket)

  • Deck of cards or small game

  • Book or magazine

  • Journal and pen

  • Comfort food (candy, gum)

Personal items:

  • Extra pair of glasses or contacts

  • Contact lens solution

  • Hearing aid batteries

  • Any special needs items

Category 7: Pet Supplies (if applicable)

For each pet:

  • 3 days of food and water

  • Collapsible food and water bowls

  • Leash, collar, carrier

  • Medications

  • Medical records and vaccination proof

  • Recent photo (to prove ownership)

  • Comfort item (favorite toy)

  • Waste bags

  • Pet first aid supplies

Customizing for Your Family

For Infants and Toddlers

Add to standard go-bag:

  • Diapers (3 days worth)

  • Wipes

  • Diaper rash cream

  • Bottles and formula (if not breastfeeding)

  • Baby food and snacks

  • Change of clothes (multiple - kids get messy)

  • Blanket and comfort item

  • Pacifiers

  • Baby medications (pain reliever, gas drops)

  • Changing pad

  • Plastic bags for dirty diapers

For Children

Add:

  • Favorite stuffed animal or toy (small)

  • Books or activity books

  • Crayons or markers

  • Snacks they'll actually eat

  • Comfort food

  • Photos of family pets or friends

Involve them in packing:

  • Let them choose comfort item

  • Teach them what's in the bag

  • Practice carrying their own bag (if age-appropriate)

For Elderly Family Members

Consider:

  • Extra medications

  • Medical equipment (oxygen, CPAP, etc.)

  • Spare glasses and hearing aids

  • Mobility aids (walker, cane)

  • List of doctors and conditions

  • Comfort items

  • Extra warm clothing

For People with Disabilities

Customize for specific needs:

  • Mobility devices and repair kits

  • Communication devices

  • Service animal supplies

  • Medical equipment and batteries

  • Backup power for electronic devices

  • Detailed medical information

  • List of care providers

Packing Your Go Bag