What's in your 'go-bag'?
Posted by Global Administrator on Wed, Jun 10, 2009 @ 10:00 AM
When you’re in trouble in the middle of nowhere, what do you want to have in your ‘go’ bag? Dan Bayer, a former Navy SEAL and Security Manager for Global Rescue, breaks down the basics.
“The first thing you want to do before you go anywhere is tell someone where you’re going,” Bayer said. It’s always advisable to leave that person with Global Rescue’s phone number in the event of an emergency, and you should have it programmed into your cell phone or satellite phone.
When packing for the trip there is basically a “first line” and a “second line” of essentials. Bayer defines the “first line” as items carried on your body. Keep a packaged, detailed map, a quality compass– not one of those cheap ones, but one that was really built for navigation -- and a GPS, all tethered with a lanyard so you can plot your movements on the map as you go. You should, of course, also carry some kind of multi-tool.
The second line is a “go” bag, which addresses five basic needs: shelter, food and water, warmth, signaling and first aid.
You’ll want something to protect yourself from the rain if you’re lost or immobile in the wilderness. Bring an 8x10 foot tarp and 50 to 250 feet of parachute line. You might also need it to protect yourself from the wind.
The next thing to put in the go-bag is some clothes to keep warm.
“Leave the cotton at home,” Bayer said.
Instead, bring something that wicks moisture away from the body. Even though you may be traveling in the hot sun during the day, it will be a lot colder at night. A pair of gloves always comes in handy.
Be prepared to start a fire: metal matches or storm-proof matches and a small case of cotton balls soaked in Vaseline should do the trick.
Don’t travel anywhere without some access to water. Bring along a canteen or a Naplene bottle, or a Camelbak, etc. along with some iodine tablets to drop into any water you’ve found from natural sources.
“Aside from burning alive, suffering from thirst has to be one of the worst feelings in the world,” Bayer said.
For food, make sure you have a day’s worth of rations. Bayer usually packs a few energy bars.
The next thing to fit in the go bag: signaling devices. Pencil flares are very compact, a small strobe light would be helpful, and definitely bring a whistle.
Finally, your first aid kit. Bayer’s stripped down kit wold include the bare essentials: a Sam splint, some Ace bandages and gauze. For more complete kits, have a look at www.wildernessmedical.com. And don’t forget to stick your Global Rescue card in there in case you actually need a medical evacuation. If you’ve got a GPS unit with you and cellular or satellite coverage, help is a phone call away.