The North Stands.

Pack your Go Bag

A well prepared family with their go bags

Written by

Adam Smith

in

How to Pack your Go Bag

  1. Total weight limit – Aim for 10–12 kg (22–26 lb) maximum.
    The bulk of your pack will be your “normal” gear; the go‑bag is a lightweight emergency backup.
  2. Layered distribution – Place heavy items at the back (e.g., sleeping pad, stove) and lighter items on top (e.g., emergency blanket, first‑aid kit).
  3. Accessibility – The most vital items (firestarter, signal mirror, water, map/compass) should be in the outermost compartment or a quick‑access pouch.
  4. Durability & Protection – All items should be stored in waterproof or windproof bags.
    Use zip‑lock or dry‑sack organization for electronics and sensitive items.
  5. Practice – Set up the bag on your training days, run through a simulated emergency, and adjust based on real‑world feedback.

Your Essential Go Bag Checklist

This checklist is interactive!

Click each item to see why it’s essential and its ideal qualities.

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Clothing & Personal Protection

  • Base layer (thermal underwear)

    Why it’s essential: Keeps you dry and warm when sweating; wicks moisture.

    Ideal qualities: Breathable, quick‑dry, thin, lightweight, high‑mercury or synthetic material.

  • Mid‑layer (fleece or down)

    Why it’s essential: Provides insulation between base and shell.

    Ideal qualities: Soft, insulating, wind‑proof, compressible, minimal bulk.

  • Shell (rain‑proof / wind‑proof coat)

    Why it’s essential: Protects from precipitation, wind, and temperature extremes.

    Ideal qualities: Breathable membrane, waterproof, wind‑proof, durable, easy to pack.

  • Hat

    Why it’s essential: Retains body heat and protects head from wind.

    Ideal qualities: Warm, lightweight, fits snugly, breathable if possible.

  • Gloves

    Why it’s essential: Maintains dexterity and warmth for hands.

    Ideal qualities: Insulating, waterproof or wind‑proof, breathable, durable.

  • Boots

    Why it’s essential: Provides traction, warmth, and protection for feet.

    Ideal qualities: Waterproof, breathable, sturdy sole, supportive arch, durable lacing.

  • Socks

    Why it’s essential: Prevents blisters and keeps feet dry.

    Ideal qualities: Moisture‑wicking, cushioned, compressible, easy to dry.

  • Bandana / face mask

    Why it’s essential: Protects face from wind, sun glare, and cold.

    Ideal qualities: Soft, breathable, multi‑use, easy to tie, lightweight.

  • Sun protection (sunscreen & lip balm)

    Why it’s essential: Prevents sunburn and UV damage, especially at high altitude.

    Ideal qualities: SPF 30+ or higher, broad‑spectrum, water‑resistant, lip balm with SPF.

Shelter & Protection

  • Bivy / tarp (lightweight shelter)

    Why it’s essential: Provides quick, compact cover from wind, rain, and cold.

    Ideal qualities: Durable nylon or polyester, waterproof, wind‑proof, easy to set up.

  • Space blanket / reflective blanket

    Why it’s essential: Reflects body heat and keeps you warm in a shelter.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, compact, highly reflective, easy to pack.

  • Sleeping bag liner

    Why it’s essential: Adds an extra layer of insulation inside the sleeping bag.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, insulated, compressible, breathable.

  • Sleeping pad

    Why it’s essential: Provides insulation from the cold ground.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, compact, compressible, self‑inflating or foam.

  • Windbreak

    Why it’s essential: Reduces wind chill when building a shelter or signalling.

    Ideal qualities: Light, foldable, waterproof, durable.

Water & Hydration

  • Water filter (e.g., Pitch‑Perfect)

    Why it’s essential: Removes bacteria and protozoa, allowing safe drinking from natural sources.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, easy to use, high‑flow rate, long‑lasting cartridge.

  • Water purification tablets

    Why it’s essential: Quick chemical treatment of water when filter is unavailable.

    Ideal qualities: Low odor, long shelf life, minimal taste, small size.

  • 2 L water bottle

    Why it’s essential: Immediate source of clean water for short periods.

    Ideal qualities: Durable, leak‑proof, easy to clean, lightweight.

  • Hydration bladder (e.g., CamelBak)

    Why it’s essential: Provides hands‑free water during hikes or rescues.

    Ideal qualities: Leak‑proof, 2 L capacity, quick‑draw hose, compact.

  • Portable water‑collection system (collapsible bowl, funnel, or tarp)

    Why it’s essential: Allows you to gather and store water from streams or lakes.

    Ideal qualities: Foldable, durable, lightweight, versatile.

Food & Cooking

  • Dry food (e.g., MREs, freeze‑dried meals)

    Why it’s essential: Compact, calorie‑dense food when cooking is not feasible.

    Ideal qualities: High calories, low weight, easy to rehydrate, long shelf life.

  • Portable stove (e.g., MSR PocketRocket)

    Why it’s essential: Allows you to heat food and water when safe.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, quick‑ignition, efficient, compatible with gas canisters.

  • Gas canister (fuel for stove)

    Why it’s essential: Provides reliable fuel for stove or lantern.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, 250 ml or smaller, safety valve, compatible with stove.

  • Knife / multitool

    Why it’s essential: Useful for food prep, shelter assembly, and emergency cuts.

    Ideal qualities: Sturdy blade, locking mechanism, multiple tools, lightweight.

Navigation & Communications

  • Topographic map

    Why it’s essential: Provides situational awareness and aids in navigation.

    Ideal qualities: Waterproof, foldable, detailed, durable paper or laminated.

  • Compass

    Why it’s essential: Allows you to orient yourself regardless of GPS status.

    Ideal qualities: Durable housing, magnetic needle, easy to read.

  • Satellite phone (e.g., Garmin Satellite Phone)

    Why it’s essential: Enables emergency communication where cell coverage is absent.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, long battery life, reliable signal, robust casing.

  • Head‑lamp / head‑mounted light

    Why it’s essential: Provides illumination for night operations or in low light.

    Ideal qualities: Bright LED, long battery life, adjustable beam, lightweight.

  • Rope / paracord (1 m segment)

    Why it’s essential: Used for tie‑downs, securing shelters, or rescue harnesses.

    Ideal qualities: Durable, strong (≥ 500 lb), low‑drag, lightweight.

First‑Aid & Safety

  • Compact first‑aid kit

    Why it’s essential: Treats blisters, cuts, and other injuries.

    Ideal qualities: Small, comprehensive, durable, waterproof bag.

  • Wound dressing (e.g., Steri‑Strip)

    Why it’s essential: Secures bandages and protects wounds.

    Ideal qualities: Sterile, small, lightweight, easy to apply.

  • Bandage or gauze

    Why it’s essential: Controls bleeding and protects injuries.

    Ideal qualities: Bleeding‑control, easy to use, compact, lightweight.

Tools & Equipment

  • Multi‑tool or knife

    Why it’s essential: Useful for food prep, shelter assembly, and emergency tasks.

    Ideal qualities: Durable blade, multiple tools (pliers, screwdriver), lock‑back, compact.

  • Tarp or canvas for shelter

    Why it’s essential: Provides additional cover when bivy is insufficient.

    Ideal qualities: Waterproof, wind‑proof, lightweight, easy to carry.

  • Survival hammer (e.g., O’Neill)

    Why it’s essential: Breaks ice, repairs gear, and serves as a tool.

    Ideal qualities: Lightweight, balanced, durable, easy to carry.

  • Fixed‑blade knife (optional)

    Why it’s essential: Durable cutting tool for tough tasks.

    Ideal qualities: Full‑tang, high‑grade steel, handle grip, lightweight.

Signaling & Communication

  • Signal flag

    Why it’s essential: Visually signals to rescuers over distances.

    Ideal qualities: Reflective, brightly colored, lightweight, durable.

  • Strobe light or flare

    Why it’s essential: Emits a highly visible signal for rescue.

    Ideal qualities: Bright, long range, compact, easy to deploy.

Documentation & Notes

  • Document your plan and checklists

    Why it’s essential: Keeps you organized and ensures you don’t forget essential items.

    Ideal qualities: Waterproof, durable paper or digital backup, clear formatting.

Conclusion

  • Always remember to keep your gear light, organized, and easy to access.
  • Check each item’s condition and replace as needed to avoid failures during emergencies.
  • Regularly practice the use of all items to ensure they function effectively when needed.
  • Update your gear as technology and your personal needs evolve.

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