The Get Home Bag: Lessons from a Rolling Freeway and Six Years of Preparedness

How far is your commute? Do you routinely find yourself outside your home, potentially facing a sudden and disruptive event? If so, you need a Get Home Bag. It’s not just another piece of prepper gear; it’s your lifeline when the everyday order breaks down—when the sirens sound and you need to get back to your Place to Go.

Ric Smith, in a recent presentation (shared below), walks us through his Get Home Bag, a kit he designed years ago for Washington State. What’s striking isn’t just the contents of the bag, but the story behind it: a memory of driving home from a midnight shift, seeing what looked like half-buried ice cream cones rolling down the freeway – an eerie sign of an earthquake. That experience spurred him to create a system for getting home, even when the roads are unpredictable.

This isn’t about lone-wolf survivalism. It’s about Provident Self-Reliance, about having a plan and the tools to execute it, whether you're an Aspiring Labraham ready to feed a multitude or a Stripling Prepper just beginning your journey. It’s about the Eye of the Needle – recognizing the need to shed the excess and focus on what truly matters.

So, what did Ric pack in his bag, and what lessons can we learn from his six-year-old kit?

Key Takeaways from Ric’s Get Home Bag

Here’s a breakdown of what we learned, and why it’s relevant to your own preparedness efforts:

• Real-World Testing is Crucial: Ric emphasizes that his gear has been *tested*. A sleeping bag that keeps you from freezing to death isn’t theoretical; it’s a necessity. He learned the hard way that some “emergency” gear isn't as reliable as advertised.
• Adaptability is Key: His initial plan involved a gas-powered scooter. While ingenious, he recognized the limitations – clogged freeways render even the most creative transport solutions useless. This underscores the need for multiple escape routes and adaptable strategies. Think bug-in, bug-out, and beyond.
• Weight Matters: The bag weighs in around 35-45 pounds. That's a significant load, especially when you’re navigating unpredictable terrain. Prioritize essential items and consider your physical capabilities. Don’t pack what you *think* you might need; pack what you *know* you can carry.
• Gear Evolution: Six years is a long time in the preparedness world. New technologies and materials emerge constantly. What was cutting-edge in 2018 might be outdated today. Regularly review and update your gear.
• Beyond the Bag: The Get Home Bag is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s part of a larger strategy that includes family preparedness, neighborhood mutual aid, and a deeper understanding of potential threats – whether they’re natural disasters, economic collapse, or the beckoning hand of the elite in their smart cities.

Beyond the specific gear list (available in the linked handouts), Ric’s story highlights a critical mindset: preparedness isn't about collecting gear; it’s about anticipating the unexpected and developing the resilience to overcome it. It's about understanding that Exodus is now – identifying your Babylon and seeking your Bountiful.

Consider your own “rolling freeway” moment. What unexpected events have you faced? What can you learn from them to improve your preparedness? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!