Go-Bag Essentials
Go-Bag Essentials
Section titled “Go-Bag Essentials”A go-bag is a pre-packed bag with everything you need for rapid response. When a call comes in, you grab it and go.
Why Have a Go-Bag
Section titled “Why Have a Go-Bag”Benefits
Section titled “Benefits”- Speed - Don’t waste time gathering things
- Preparedness - Have everything you need
- Reliability - Know your gear works
- Peace of mind - One less thing to worry about
When to Use It
Section titled “When to Use It”- Any rapid response call
- Patrol shifts
- Community events where you might need to respond
- Training exercises
Go-Bag Contents
Section titled “Go-Bag Contents”Tier 1: Essentials (Always Include)
Section titled “Tier 1: Essentials (Always Include)”Communication
- Phone charger (wall and car if you drive)
- Backup battery (fully charged)
- Earbuds or headphones (for calls)
Hydration & Nutrition
- Water bottle (filled)
- Snacks (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit)
Documentation
- Small notebook
- Pen (works in cold/rain)
- Know Your Rights card
Money
- Cash ($20-40 in small bills)
- Transit card or tokens (if applicable)
ID (Optional)
- Your choice whether to carry ID
- If you do, government-issued is best
- Emergency contact card
Tier 2: Recommended
Section titled “Tier 2: Recommended”Weather Protection
- Sunglasses
- Hat (baseball cap or knit, depending on weather)
- Light rain jacket (packs small)
- Sunscreen (small tube)
Comfort
- Hand warmers (in winter)
- Tissues or bandana
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
Medical
- Personal medications (if any)
- Basic pain reliever (ibuprofen, etc.)
- Band-aids (small pack)
- Any allergy meds you might need
Documentation Extras
- Pen backup
- Extra phone storage (SD card)
- Printed protocols (laminated if possible)
Tier 3: Nice to Have
Section titled “Tier 3: Nice to Have”Extended Duration
- More substantial food
- Second water bottle or hydration pack
- Change of socks
Technology
- Second phone (burner)
- Flashlight (small)
- Portable radio (for monitoring)
Comfort Extras
- Earplugs
- Eye mask
- Packable cushion to sit on
Bag Selection
Section titled “Bag Selection”Ideal Bag Characteristics
Section titled “Ideal Bag Characteristics”- Size: Daypack size (15-25 liters)
- Color: Neutral (black, gray, navy)
- Style: Doesn’t stand out
- Pockets: Multiple for organization
- Comfort: Padded straps if you’ll walk far
What to Avoid
Section titled “What to Avoid”- Bright/flashy colors
- Military/tactical appearance
- Very large bags
- Bags with identifying logos
- Bags that look expensive
Recommended Types
Section titled “Recommended Types”- Basic backpack
- Messenger bag
- Crossbody bag
- Canvas tote (for short responses)
Vehicle Go-Kit
Section titled “Vehicle Go-Kit”If you respond by car, keep additional supplies in your vehicle:
In the Car
Section titled “In the Car”- Phone car charger
- First aid kit (basic)
- Blanket
- Flashlight (larger)
- Jumper cables (you or someone else might need them)
- Ice scraper (in winter)
- Water bottles (extra)
- Printed maps of your area
Notes on Car Supplies
Section titled “Notes on Car Supplies”- Don’t leave valuables visible
- Check expiration on water/food periodically
- Keep gas tank at least half full
- Know where parking exists near common response areas
Maintenance
Section titled “Maintenance”Regular Checks
Section titled “Regular Checks”Weekly:
- Charge backup battery
- Check phone charger works
- Refill water
- Replace eaten snacks
Monthly:
- Check all items present
- Replace expired items
- Check weather appropriateness
- Clean out trash/receipts
Seasonally:
- Swap weather gear (summer vs. winter)
- Check medications haven’t expired
- Refresh snacks
- Test all electronics
After Each Use
Section titled “After Each Use”- Recharge all batteries
- Refill water and snacks
- Replace anything used
- Note anything you wished you had
Bag Organization
Section titled “Bag Organization”Suggested Layout
Section titled “Suggested Layout”Easy access pocket:
- Phone charger/battery
- KYR card
- Cash
- Transit card
Main compartment:
- Water
- Snacks
- Notebook/pen
- Weather gear (jacket)
Small pocket:
- Medications
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm
- Band-aids
Pro Tips
Section titled “Pro Tips”- Use small pouches or bags to organize
- Keep items in same place every time
- Test that you can find things without looking
- Minimize loose items
What NOT to Pack
Section titled “What NOT to Pack”Leave These at Home
Section titled “Leave These at Home”- Weapons of any kind
- Anything that could be seen as a weapon
- Illegal substances
- Large amounts of cash
- Unnecessary valuables
- Anything with others’ personal info
- Work badges/access cards (unless needed)
- Can be used against you if searched
- Creates unnecessary risk
- Distracts from your purpose
- Could incriminate you or others
Specialty Items
Section titled “Specialty Items”For Legal Observers
Section titled “For Legal Observers”- Legal observer vest/hat (if used in your area)
- Extra notebooks
- Multiple pens
- Clipboard
For Documenters
Section titled “For Documenters”- Secondary recording device
- Extra storage
- Microphone (clip-on)
- Lens cleaning cloth
For Team Leads
Section titled “For Team Leads”- Printed team contact list
- Area maps
- Extra KYR cards to distribute
- First aid training card
Quick Pack List
Section titled “Quick Pack List”Print and keep in your bag:
GO-BAG CHECKLIST━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━□ Phone charger□ Backup battery (charged)□ Water□ Snacks□ Cash□ Notebook & pen□ KYR card□ Weather gear
Check before leaving:□ Phone charged□ Signal working□ Know destination□ Told someoneFinal Notes
Section titled “Final Notes”Keep It Simple
Section titled “Keep It Simple”- Don’t overpack
- Know what you have
- Practice grabbing it and going
Make It Yours
Section titled “Make It Yours”- Adapt this list to your needs
- Your area’s weather matters
- Your mode of transport matters
- Your role affects what you need
Be Ready
Section titled “Be Ready”- Bag should be ready at all times
- Store it by your door
- Grab and go when called