Go bag/box components should be based on form, function and comfort. Consider your needs, the incident type, your normal role and the average deployment length as you pull the bag together.

Go bags are designed to be ready and standing by if called or notified. They should be 25–35 pounds with easy carry design so your hands are free, according to NFPA and NASAR recommendations. When picking items look for quality, function and light weight. Having extra straps and carabiners on the outside allows coats and other items to be strapped on conveniently. Bags should be wear and weather resistant with identification options. If you will be using air transport remember many items may not be acceptable with TSA.

If traveling by vehicle, boat, or horses remember the more the better. Start with food, clothing and shelter add-ons and then include extra equipment like those marked with asterisk (**). Leave the trendy and fancy items for very last. A box of granola bars will always win out over games, makeup, decorative items and entertainment. As you move to larger items than what fits in a go bag, add more of what might be needed (tents, P.A.s, gear and supplies).

The big trick is to take some time and think of what you will always need, and then think of what you may need. Pull it

together, refine the gear and lose the weight. And you are ready to go.

your comfort

• medications
  
• first aid kit
  
• durable shoes
  
• durable gloves
  
• outer waterproof clothing layer
  
• insulating layer of clothing and sweats
  
• comfortable mid-clothing layer
  
• one normal clothing change with extra underwear and socks
  
• extra glasses, shades, earplugs and headband
  
• flashlight
  
• solar/wind radio and charger
  
• solar/wind light and charger
  
• power bars and snacks
  
• fleece blanket and pillow
  
• hygiene kit with towel
  
• tape measure
  
• travel mug
  
• eating tool
  
• connection cables
  
• music

• cards

communication and clerical

• cell phone and charger
  
• iPad and charger
  
• notepad and pens
  
• ID badge
• official garb
  
• address book and wallet
  
• cash (credit cards may not be usable)
  
• official radio (if available) **
  
• binoculars **
  
• camera and lighter**
  
• multi-tool **
  
• maps and or GPS unit**
  

• small whiteboard**
  
• micro projector **
  
• small P.A. system with external speaker **
  

• adapter pigtails
  

incident specific needs

• personal safety equipment
  
• special clothing and layers
  
• specialized equipment
  
• specialized reference materials
  
• specialized safety supplies
  
• specialized identification and credentials
  
• emergency contact information
  
• incident specific plans
  
• FEMA task books
  
• ICS command portable folder
  
• prescreening protocols
  
• emergency marking tools and flagging
  
• multi-day food and water
  
• other incident-specific items
  

MP‑145.5 Go Bag and Box Components

April 2021

Scott Cotton, Extension Educator, University of Wyoming Extension

Editor: Katie Shockley, University of Wyoming Extension

Design: Tanya Engel, University of Wyoming Extension

This material supported by a USDA NIFA Special Needs Grant Project WYON2016-07528 and the direct collaboration of University of Wyoming Extension, Colorado State University Extension, and Montana State University Extension.

Issued in furtherance of extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kelly Crane, director, University of Wyoming Extension, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071.

The University’s policy has been, and will continue to be, one of nondiscrimination, offering equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without regard to such matters as race, sex, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, political belief, or other status protected by state and federal statutes or University Regulations.

Photo: P_WON, shutterstock.com