How to build a 24-hour emergency Go-Bag

I have had the privilege of attending numerous courses and camps which were primarily focused on survival. They included everything from one day excursions to 7 days in the wilderness with nothing. The point was learning to use what nature offers you. Being a Voortrekker taught me more than just singing campfire songs, after all. Therefore, by referencing this knowledge I assembled a list of essential items that you can keep on hand in a go-bag.

What I am trying to achieve is to give you options for that unexpected 24-to-48 hour emergency. Or any other go-to situation. Few things suck more than needing good kit and not having it.

Having participated in a few 7-day and 2-day survival courses (some with no gear except rope, tarp and a knife), here is what I have in my go-bag. Please keep in mind a lot of the things listed here are adaptable to each person’s needs. Take what you deem useful, and leave the rest. Whatever works for you.

• Bag – Any comfortable bag that can fit all the gear listed below. Preferably with a hydration bladder pouch.

• Hydration – You will need water. Hydration packs come in hundreds of types and sizes, and some are not suitable for hard use. My favourite brands are Ridgeline, OZtrail, Camelback, MECO, etc. I carry anything above 1.5L

• Iodine or a filtration kit – To purify water for safe consumption.

• Medical kit – Basic medical gear can save your life, as well as that of others. My kit consists of safety scissors, four sizes of bandages, plasters for small stuff, small bottle of disinfectant, tourniquet, triangle bandage, and baby wipes. I keep a spare IFAK nearby.

• Ranger beads – If you are not familiar with the concept, ranger beads is a piece of rope with ten or so beads. You can move the beads along the rope, and they will stay in place. It helps you to keep count of the amount of paces while doing navigation.

• GPS or compass – For navigational purposes. Obviously.

• Road flare – For signalling.

• Chemlights – Another signalling tool.

• Electrical tape – You can use it to fix a variety of things. It is also smaller than a roll of duct tape.

• 550 cord or equivalent – Rope can be a lifesaver. 550 is a very strong and durable multi-purpose rope.

• Knife and flint – These are two very important items for staring a fire. You do get kits where a knife and flint are bundled together. Just try and get a full-tang blade for harder use.

• Extra magazines and a small rifle cleaning kit – A Boresnake and small container of solvent is more than sufficient.

• Emergency rations/MRE – For 24 hours you don’t need much. A typical ER kit supplies about 2400 calories for energy needs.

• Proper flashlight – For when it gets dark. (Spare batteries are crucial too – Ed.)

When you are compiling your go-bag, I recommend keeping the more important things (such as the medkit, flashlights, and knives) at the top/outside of the pack for easy access. My own kit changes regularly to my needs, and so should yours. Rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Written by Reuben Kruger

Reuben is a young sport shooter who happens to be an IT student.