Go-Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Fast Evacuations

When you have minutes to leave, a go-bag replaces panic with action. This is the bag you grab when wildfire embers are landing in the yard, a chemical spill forces evacuations, or authorities tell you it’s time to move. The goal is simple: pack only what gets you safely from “home is no longer an option” to your next safe location.

If you want to compare this with staying home instead, read Bug-In vs. Bug-Out Basics.

1. The Bag Itself

You don’t need a tactical backpack. You need something you can carry for miles if roads jam:

• 30–40 liter backpack (comfortable straps, nothing oversized)
• Water-resistant fabric if possible
• Multiple pockets so you’re not digging for critical items

2. Identification & Documents

Your ID is worth more than half the items people cram into their bags. Bring:

• Driver’s license or state ID
• Health insurance card
• Printed emergency contacts
• Copies of home insurance documents (see Protecting Important Documents at Home)

Keep originals in a waterproof pouch or zip bag.

3. Water & Food

• At least one liter of water
• Collapsible bottle or hydration bladder
• Three lightweight food items (energy bars, nuts, dehydrated snacks)

This isn’t your full supply. It’s what keeps you functional until you reach safety, where your larger non-perishable food stores help you regroup.

4. Clothing & Weather Protection

• One change of clothes
• Warm layer even in summer
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Sturdy shoes if you need to walk

Skip heavy jackets and bulky items—you’re not packing for comfort, you’re packing for movement.

5. First Aid & Medications

• Basic bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze
• Pain relievers
• Any prescription medications (3–5 day supply minimum)

If you need a deeper breakdown of what belongs in a home kit vs. what belongs here, see Home First Aid Kit Basics.

6. Tools & Essentials

• Headlamp or compact flashlight
• Small battery pack for your phone
• Multi-tool or basic knife
• Whistle for signaling
• Lighter and backup matches

7. Hygiene Items

• Travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• Travel-size sanitizer
• Small towel

8. Money & Backup Access

• $40–$100 in small bills
• Spare debit card if you have one

ATMs go offline during power failures. Cards get declined during system outages. Cash keeps you moving.

9. Items for Kids & Pets (If Applicable)

• One comfort item for kids
• Small amount of pet food
• Copy of pet vaccination paperwork

For a full breakdown of preparing animals for emergencies, see Pet Emergency Prep Basics.

10. The Bottom Line

A go-bag is not a survival beacon. It’s a 12–24 hour mobility kit that gets you out cleanly during a fast evacuation. Pack only what matters, keep it near the exit, and check it every few months so nothing inside expires or disappears.