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When I think of a go bag, I’m thinking of the bag I grab every day, whether to the local coffee shop to work or a short two- to three-day work trip.
My go bag is not packed out to go all Red Dawn during a foreign invasion but to support my daily needs with a few extras to support any unexpected emergencies.
Why don’t I have a PCC (pistol-caliber carbine) or backpack gun? Because I have my concealed carry pistol and a spare mag on me. I’ve trained and practiced enough to be confident in my capabilities to get out of a bad situation.
So, to answer the question “what to put in a go bag,” we need to start with the bag. For me, that is the Northface Jester backpack. It’s blacked out and has no molle or velcro. Another great option is the Northface Recon backpack.
How I Have My Go Bag Set Up
- Apple MacBook Air 13″ Laptop
- Bose earbuds
- Charging cable for laptop, phone, and earbuds
- Medical kit with Tourniquet
- Compact rain jacket
- Mission Darkness Cell phone Faraday bag – (Authorized for use by the NSA)
- Field Notebook and pen
- 18-ounce Hydroflask Water Bottle
- Gerber Multi-tool
- Cash (Minimum of $100 – $300 recommended)
After watching a video of John “Shrek” McPhee showing off his go bag, I never thought to add a gas mask and smoke grenades. It might not make sense for everyone, but damn it’s cool. So what did I do? I bought a gas mask and four high-output smoke grenades from Enola Gaye. That said, I’m not carrying a gas mask and smoke grenades to the local coffee shop. If I’m commuting to a nearby city, such as Cleveland, I may opt to add the gas mask and smokes. The situation will dictate.
With some of the insane street takeovers that have happened in my area, it only made sense to adapt a few of Shrek’s go-bag concepts to mine. Having a nonlethal option to disrupt a bad situation and provide a means of escape was a no-brainer.
A Closer Look at Key Items
Most of the items in my go bag are self-explanatory, but I wanted to give some additional insight as to why I carry the following:
Mission Darkness Cell phone Faraday bag – (Authorized for use by the NSA)
I keep the Mission Darkness Cell Phone Faraday Bag in my go bag to protect my digital footprint and secure sensitive information from unauthorized access or tracking.
In today’s world, where electronic devices and items with RFID chips continuously emit signals, even when turned off or inactive, this Faraday bag provides a critical layer of security. It blocks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS and RFID signals, ensuring my phone, wallet, passport and other items embedded with RFID chips remain undetectable and secure. This is essential for reducing vulnerability to hacking, tracking or data theft, especially during travel or in high-stakes environments.
The Mission Darkness Faraday Bag stands out for its military-grade design and NSA approval for intelligence and operational use. Constructed with high-shielding TitanRF Faraday Fabric and robust materials, it effectively prevents signal transmission, keeping devices and RFID-enabled items immune to electronic surveillance or unauthorized scanning.
Whether safeguarding a phone, passport, keyfob or credit cards, this bag offers peace of mind in an era where digital security is paramount.
Cash (Minimum of $100 – $300 recommended)
I carry cash in my go bag because it provides a versatile, untraceable and universally accepted form of currency for emergencies. A minimum of $100 in U.S. currency is ideal, with $300 being the preferred amount to ensure sufficient coverage for unexpected situations.
Cash can be used to pay for transportation, food, lodging or other necessities, especially in regions where digital payments or ATMs are inaccessible or untrustworthy. Even in areas where local currencies dominate, U.S. dollars are widely recognized and often preferred due to their global value and reliability.
Having cash on hand is particularly useful in situations where digital payment methods might leave a trace or fail due to technical issues. For example, cash can help you secure a ride, cross borders or pay for essential services discreetly, without leaving a digital footprint.
In First World countries, carrying more cash or a mix of U.S. dollars and local currency ensures flexibility, as higher costs and preferences for local currency may arise. Ultimately, cash in small denominations—$5s, $10s, and $20s—is invaluable for quick transactions, making it a practical and indispensable component of everyday carry or go bag essentials.
Where To Buy
Northface Jester backpack
Northface Recon backpack
“…to protect my digital footprint and secure sensitive information from unauthorized access or tracking.”
Do you have a Faraday bag for your modern vehicle?
Watchin tomuch FBI on tv again
(snicker)
Was gonna say something. I have done 1/2 of my vehicles, and I’m going to do the other one. I pulled the cellular module out and it hasn’t impacted things at all. Absolutely not into giving fedgov the ability DRRT box me (even if it’s got an obsolete 3G system that a car maker can’t get data with any more, it doesn’t mean you aren’t transmitting) and I certainly don’t want to give the auto makers my data either so they can sell to whoever.
If you are serious about a true “go bag”, I recommend even more cash as well as some coins.
I suggest at least $500 (all in small bills, a lot of $1 and $5 bills with some $10 and $20 bills). I also suggest $5 in coins, mostly quarters is probably fine.
And if you are in a foreign country, potentially more cash and coins may be a good idea.
I would say quarter / half ounce gold coins. YouTuber Jason Hanson (ex CIA? he says) delves into all that in detail.
I’m a JH fan too.
uncommon, I agree. Years ago a friend told me that he always keeps a “grand on the hip, because you never know what could happen.” For Jimmy, that meant anything from a gun deal to a tight spot.” Another good friend is in Gainesville now buying a Randall #18 for $300. He tripped over it. Jimmy’s point proven. One other thing. Those coins should at least silver. A little gold bullion doesn’t hurt, but make it small.
Gadsden Flag,
I usually carry more than $500 in my pocket for the very reasons that you stated.
Also, after I posted my comment above, I thought about the potential utility of carrying some actual gold as well–I was thinking of a few 1/2 grams of gold bullion which are worth something like $74 each right now.
Gotta bring those ear buds. Prioritize!
Again on the true “go bag” concept, I strongly recommend adding the following:
Mylar “space blanket”
water purification “straw”
something to start fires
small compass
tiny penlight
cordage
All of those items add virtually no weight nor bulk to your go bag. And all but the water purification “straw” cost next to nothing. (Even the “straw” is only about $20.)
If you head into the wilds, whether that be an actual forest or a “concrete jungle”, having a knife, cordage, compass, penlight, water “straw”, space blanket, and fire starting capability will likely prove to be worth its weight in gold.
And my comment here has vanished.
It rode off into the sunset on a high speed Cushman Eagle.
Stylish comment.
italjet dragster?
I do not know about cash being able to be used for lodging. Most of the hotel/motels only take credit cards now.
Faraday cages for cell phones can be made out of tin foil.
Why buy a bottle to put your water in when most are already buying bottled water?
Guns, one of the better calibers for a bug out bag is the lowly .22LR. I’ve not killed a moose with it( yet) however it is capable of taking deer sized game as well as not being a meat destroyer on small game.
Is it a rabbits to rhino caliber, not quite, but it’ll do alright with marksmanship and stalking skills.1,000rnds doesn’t take up much space or make the weight of other calibers.
A decent knife I would advise. An essential tool.
Learn your blades.
Frugality of some items leaves extra for more important items.
A cheap wallmart back pack will work if most of it’s time is spent in a vehicle.
I make up my own medical kits. Some prepackaged ones lack some of the things I’ve needed and I’ve found I can do better cheaper.
If you take medications try to build a reserve , for instance I may skip a BP pill occasionally, those skipped meds go in the reserve. If the ball goes up prescriptions will be hard to fill.
MRE’s aren’t a bad idea either. Anyone who has spent an unplanned night in the frontier knows a candy bar, matches, a sharp knife, and cover makes all the difference.
Go bag lists are always an entertaining read. Specifying a bag that’s worth more than what it contains leads me to question having it where anyone can see it in the vehicle. It needs to be small – 30L or less, which isn’t a happy book bag for class use and often to small and light for any overnight camping. But it does force frugality with overstuffing.
I used one a lot during a series of medical misadventures one year, because 12 hour waits in hospital emergency rooms are a rule in metros, not an exception. Food became a central theme – because walking to the cafeteria may not be an option. Administrative supplies beyond a pen and notebook help – YMMV, paperback, power bank, etc.
One issue was medical supplies beyond a bandaid box/dressings, wet wiped, adult diapers, whatever it takes folks. And a small kit of OTC drugs such as a pain reliever, anti histamine, and something to firm up bowels. Those, a flashlight, the bandaids, folding cap, and a superlight backpack that stuffs to the size of a mandarin orange stay in a fanny pack and get tossed in to the slightly bigger pack. In better health its the carry kit alone, with option to expand for purchases, etc. In the larger pack, it’s available without resorting and losing track of items. Like an onion, layers, plus if you have two, you will have one and one to share.
A lot to go bags tend to have things many of us EDC already – while a spare is nice, if you lose the bag, at least you don’t lose your pants as often. Folding knife, light, lighter, chapstick, toothpick, small pen, etc which are mostly contained in a pocket carrier – no bigger than the old fashioned leather receipt file from the Boomer days.
At one time I carried an “office” backpack with 50 feet of 3/8 kernmantel, compass and knife – which was recommended by .GOV as a strategy walking home with no vehicle and the grid down. The rope alone was worth it as our bull pen cubicle was 40 feet up above an assembly area notorious for chemical fires. Thermal batteries do that. What I didn’t realize is other employees had no sense of boundaries with other males over looking thru it without any regard. And there is the real catch – one item that sparks a viral outrage and sends management into reaction mode may well end your employment – even tho rifling thru a female employee’s purse would net a complaint to the police which would get expedited.
Choose carefully for your environment, just saying “it was recommended by .Gov” isn’t a sufficient answer.
Pew Pew Tactical posted an update on their annual mask reviews on 10 Jan. if interested.
h ttps://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-gas-masks-respirators-filters/
lost me at field notes.
If you’re really using field notes, then you use it with a pencil that will make an imprint. Ink can wash away or smear without leaving an imprint. Then you won’t know what to pick up at the store.
You can purchase a field note book that is weather proof. They’re cheap.
“For me, that is the Northface Jester backpack. It’s blacked out and has no molle or velcro”
Carry what commuters carry. Carry what the high school kids carry.
Nine out of ten will be carrying a $50 backpack with molle and velcro that they bought at Academy or WalMart.
Thinking molle screams “TACTICAL!!!” is waay overblown. If it was true then half the kids at my high school are preppers and UC cops.
One thing to add is a water spigot key. Most office buildings have an outside water source for cleaning the sidewalks. It gives you access to potable water.
Paper road maps and a compass.
Correct me if I’m mistaken but isn’t Northface one of those “Woke” brands that went all-in for BLM, Fentanyl Floyd, and the t®@ns insanity, if so why should we be lining their and their Chy-Knees master’s pockets?
North Face should be on the top of all of our boycott lists. They refused to print jackets for an energy company, they discriminate based on skin color, gender identity, orientation, etc. All in addition to your points. Do not buy.
Working under your premise, there are still a few holes to fill. Light: I don’t think most CC folks have installed lighin their CC firearm due to added bulk. Phone light (Apps) usually provide too much lightnd burn through device power. A seperate small flashlight or pistol light that can be inst/removed without tools should be in the bag. Gun and one spare mag may be okay for an initial confrontation but is severely lacking depth for any prolonged engagement or fight your way home(?) when the suck finds you. Better served with several more mags in the Bag. Lastly, you need a backup USB battery power pack to recharge devices on the move. One phone should be “burner phone”. Gas mask should be a full time carry: fires, train derailments, mfg plant chem leaks ect…
My vehicle bags are milsurp rucks. few people even give an old, beat up looking canvas ruck a second glance. And I have a fairly comprehensive med kit, bright red with first aid clearly visible on it. right next to the fire extinguisher. Cordage,some type of water purifier, some type of firestarter,and a tinder bundle, and, a couple pints of cheap whiskey either for personal use or barter, as well as hard currency. While a couple MRE type meals would be good, Toss in a couple P38 type can openers as well.
You forgot reloads. Spare magazines or speed loaders for your edc or rifle. If you’ve got a daily bag why not add more ammo? Also I assume blade is on your body and so not included in the bag? Gotta have a good knife of some sort. Other suggestions: flashlight with glass breaker. Small lighter. Spare cell phone bag for your wife’s phone.
Yup. All of this stuff sounds great until you try getting onto an airplane with it. You could get into real trouble with the TSA with some of it, down to and including a pocketknife or a Weatherman with a blade.