Build Your Personal Go-Bag

You are reading Part 1 of the Heretica Six-Part Prepping Series. This series covers the critical foundations every individual needs to survive the collapse of traditional systems. The full series includes:

1. Build Your Personal Go-Bag

2. Build Your Vehicle Go-Kit

3. How to Build a Food Pantry

4. What You Need for Your Home If SHTF

5. Bartering Goods and Services

6. Building a Survival Library

This post covers how to build a Go-Bag — also known as a Bug-Out Bag — a portable kit designed to sustain you for 72 hours when you have to leave your location immediately with little or no warning. In the Go-Bag blog, you’ll learn what to pack, how much to carry, and how to scale your Go-Bag for survival under various conditions.

1. Go-Bag Basics Purpose: A go-bag should sustain you for 72 hours (3 days). Scaling: One bag per person.

2. The Bag Itself: Durable backpack/duffel ( maybe that old dusty one shoved the the back of your closet). It should be comfortable to carry fully loaded, and preferably waterproof or water-resistant.

3. Upgrades are included in the list below, but are not required. Every budget is going to be different.

Go Bag Supply List

1. Water = Minimum: 3 liters (about 0.8 gallons) per person (1 liter per day)

Upgrade: Include water purification tablets or a small filter (e.g., Sawyer Mini)

2. Food = Minimum: 9 meals (3 meals/day for 3 days). Lightweight, no-cook options: energy bars, trail mix, dried fruit, vacuum-sealed ready-to-eat meals

Upgrade: MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) with heaters

3. Clothing

• 1 complete change of clothes (preferably moisture-wicking)

• Extra socks and underwear

• Lightweight poncho

• Gloves and hat (even in summer — weather turns fast)

4. Shelter and Warmth

• Emergency mylar blanket ("space blanket")

• Compact tarp or small tent

• Hand warmers (optional but cheap)

5. First Aid Kit (Pre-made kit or DIY)

• Bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen/acetaminophen)

• Tweezers, medical tape

• Personal prescription meds (3-day supply minimum)

6. Tools

• Multi-tool (Swiss Army style)

• Flashlight (battery or crank-powered)

• Spare batteries

• Duct tape (small roll)

• Lighter and waterproof matches

7. Hygiene Items

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Wet wipes

• Small bar soap

• Hand sanitizer

• Feminine hygiene products (if needed)

8. Documents and Cash = Copies of ID, insurance, emergency contact list, prescriptions

Cash: at least $100 in small bills ($1, $5, $10)

9. Communication = Battery-powered radio or hand-crank radio

Upgrade: Prepaid burner phone with emergency numbers programmed

10. Personal Protection

• Pepper spray (where legal)

• Small knife

• Whistle

Packing Tips:

• Pack heavy items close to your spine and higher in the bag.

• Use waterproof bags inside your pack to protect critical gear.

• Check and rotate food, water, and meds every 6 months.

Remember:

• One bag per person

• Plan for 3 days minimum

• Adjust for pets, babies, or medical needs if necessary

Reality Check: The "new regime" won't announce when it's coming for you. Emergencies don't make appointments. Build your bag now. Share this post with someone you trust.

Luck favors the prepared.