Be Prepared: What To Put in a Go Bag

When I think of a go bag, I’m thinking of the bag I grab every day, whether to the local coffee shop to work or a short two- to three-day work trip.

My go bag is not packed out to go all Red Dawn during a foreign invasion but to support my daily needs with a few extras to support any unexpected emergencies.

Why don’t I have a PCC (pistol-caliber carbine) or backpack gun? Because I have my concealed carry pistol and a spare mag on me. I’ve trained and practiced enough to be confident in my capabilities to get out of a bad situation.

So, to answer the question “what to put in a go bag,” we need to start with the bag. For me, that is the Northface Jester backpack. It’s blacked out and has no molle or velcro. Another great option is the Northface Recon backpack.

How I Have My Go Bag Set Up

After watching a video of John “Shrek” McPhee showing off his go bag, I never thought to add a gas mask and smoke grenades. It might not make sense for everyone, but damn it’s cool. So what did I do? I bought a gas mask and four high-output smoke grenades from Enola Gaye. That said, I’m not carrying a gas mask and smoke grenades to the local coffee shop. If I’m commuting to a nearby city, such as Cleveland, I may opt to add the gas mask and smokes. The situation will dictate.

With some of the insane street takeovers that have happened in my area, it only made sense to adapt a few of Shrek’s go-bag concepts to mine. Having a nonlethal option to disrupt a bad situation and provide a means of escape was a no-brainer. 

A Closer Look at Key Items

Most of the items in my go bag are self-explanatory, but I wanted to give some additional insight as to why I carry the following: 

Mission Darkness Cell phone Faraday bag – (Authorized for use by the NSA)

I keep the Mission Darkness Cell Phone Faraday Bag in my go bag to protect my digital footprint and secure sensitive information from unauthorized access or tracking. 

In today’s world, where electronic devices and items with RFID chips continuously emit signals, even when turned off or inactive, this Faraday bag provides a critical layer of security. It blocks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS and RFID signals, ensuring my phone, wallet, passport and other items embedded with RFID chips remain undetectable and secure. This is essential for reducing vulnerability to hacking, tracking or data theft, especially during travel or in high-stakes environments.

The Mission Darkness Faraday Bag stands out for its military-grade design and NSA approval for intelligence and operational use. Constructed with high-shielding TitanRF Faraday Fabric and robust materials, it effectively prevents signal transmission, keeping devices and RFID-enabled items immune to electronic surveillance or unauthorized scanning. 

Whether safeguarding a phone, passport, keyfob or credit cards, this bag offers peace of mind in an era where digital security is paramount.

Cash (Minimum of $100 – $300 recommended)

I carry cash in my go bag because it provides a versatile, untraceable and universally accepted form of currency for emergencies. A minimum of $100 in U.S. currency is ideal, with $300 being the preferred amount to ensure sufficient coverage for unexpected situations. 

Cash can be used to pay for transportation, food, lodging or other necessities, especially in regions where digital payments or ATMs are inaccessible or untrustworthy. Even in areas where local currencies dominate, U.S. dollars are widely recognized and often preferred due to their global value and reliability.

Having cash on hand is particularly useful in situations where digital payment methods might leave a trace or fail due to technical issues. For example, cash can help you secure a ride, cross borders or pay for essential services discreetly, without leaving a digital footprint. 

In First World countries, carrying more cash or a mix of U.S. dollars and local currency ensures flexibility, as higher costs and preferences for local currency may arise. Ultimately, cash in small denominations—$5s, $10s, and $20s—is invaluable for quick transactions, making it a practical and indispensable component of everyday carry or go bag essentials.

Where To Buy

Northface Jester backpack

Northface Recon backpack