Prepper Handbook Blog: 2025

You're hundreds of miles from home during a national disaster with martial law, massive inflation, tight supplies, anarchy, city checkpoints, and bandits, worsening over time. You'll drive until the fuel runs out, covering several hundred miles, then hike the final distance through the woods to avoid threats.

There is nothing better than Google Maps to plan your route

The Get Home Bag is designed for 3–7 days of survival, prioritizing self-defense (as you can "die in 3 seconds without security"). The backpack weighs ~35 lbs, is green, brown, or camouflage to blend into nature, and includes several specific items: a large stainless steel bottle, highly filtered water straw, headlamp with red/green modes, a hand-crank radio and Motorola MURS/FRS bands, Glock Pistol with laser sight/light (concealable under poncho), fishing hooks and green SpyderWire fishing line (for food and trip wire with bear bell), minimal first aid kit, and large bandana. Cash and silver (pre-1965 U.S. dimes/quarters and Silver Eagles) in case of a currency collapse.

Your Prepper Vehicle should be stocked with extra fuel, food, water, ammunition, first aid supplies, batteries, pepper spray, and other essentials, so that pack supplies are not consumed while driving, allowing you to save the pack contents for hiking. You can also fine-tune your pack contents or supplement them before departing on foot based on your observations while driving.

Backpack Contents

A 30–40-liter backpack ( ~3 lbs) in green, brown, or camouflage to ensure discretion. The total weight goal is ~35 lbs for hiking endurance (less clothing).

1. Self-Defense and Security (Priority 1)

Firearm: Glock Pistol (9mm ~2 lbs) with extra 100 rounds minimum (~3 lbs). Concealable under a poncho in your hand for ready access. Ensure training and legal carry.
Laser Sight/Light: Weapon-mounted (e.g., Streamlight TLR-2, ~0.3 lbs) for illumination (200+ lumens) and aiming in low light.
Knife: Fixed-blade (e.g., Gerber Coyote Brown Survival Knife, ~0.9 lbs) for utility/defense.
Trip Wire: Green SpyderWire fishing line (50–100 ft, ~0.1 lbs) with bear bell (~0.1 lbs) for camp perimeter alerts and survival fishing.

Why? Bandits and anarchy require a robust defense. Concealment under a poncho ensures quick, ready access if needed. Trip wire enhances camp security.

Weight: ~6.4 lbs (Glock 2 lbs, Ammo 3 lbs, laser/light: 0.3 lbs, knife: 0.9 lbs, line + bell: 0.2 lbs).

2. Water and Hydration

Stainless Steel Bottle: 40 oz (e.g., Klean Kanteen, ~0.5 lbs empty, ~3 lbs full with 1.2 liters) for carrying/boiling water.
Water Purification:

Filtered water straw (e.g., LifeStraw Peak Series, ~0.1 lbs) for drinking from streams.
Purification tablets (e.g., Potable Aqua, ~0.1 lbs) as backup.

Collapsible Pouch: 1-liter (~0.1 lbs empty) for extra water capacity.

Why? Water (Rule of 3) may be scarce or contaminated. Bottle and straw help ensure safe hydration.

Weight: ~3.8 lbs (bottle: 0.5 lbs + 2.6 lbs water, straw: 0.1 lbs, tablets: 0.1 lbs, pouch: 0.1 lbs).

3. Food

Non-Perishable Food: 3–5 days (~1,000–2,000 calories/day, ~6.5 lbs):

Energy bars (10–12 Long Shelf Life, ~1.5 lbs).
Freeze-dried meals (15 Mountain House, ~4.8 lbs).
Trail mix/peanut butter packets (~0.2 lbs).

Fishing Kit: Hooks (assortment, ~0.05 lbs) and SpyderWire (shared with security, ~0.05 lbs) for fishing.
Utensils: Spork (~0.05 lbs).
Stove: Optional - Compact butane stove (e.g., Coleman, ~0.5 lbs) with canister (~0.5 lbs). Could use firewood instead.

Why? Food scarcity requires lightweight rations. A fishing kit enables food procurement, so you can carry less weight in food.

Weight: ~6.65 lbs (food: 6.5 lbs, hooks + line: 0.1 lbs, spork: 0.05 lbs).

4. Shelter and Warmth

Emergency Bivvy: Mylar (e.g., SOL, ~0.3 lbs) for warmth.
Poncho/Tarp: Dual-purpose (~1.0 lbs) for rain, shelter, and Glock concealment.
Fire-Starting Kit: Matches, ferro rod, lighter (~0.2 lbs); tinder (cotton balls with petroleum jelly, ~0.1 lbs).
Clothing: Base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket (~2 lbs); wool socks (2 pairs, ~0.3 lbs); hat/gloves (~0.2 lbs).
Large Bandana: (~0.1 lbs) for sun protection, dust, or improvisation.

Why? Exposure (3-hour survival limit) requires shelter. Camo Poncho aids concealment.

Weight: ~3.8 lbs (bivvy: 0.3 lbs, poncho: 0.7 lbs, fire kit: 0.3 lbs, clothing: 2.5 lbs, bandana: 0.1 lbs).

5. Navigation and Communication

Map and Compass: Topographic map and Suunto compass (~0.3 lbs).
Hand-Crank Radio: MURS/FRS bands (e.g., Midland GXT1000, ~0.5 lbs) for broadcasts or ally communication. Monitor the area for potential threats and adjust plans as necessary.
Headlamp: Red/green modes (e.g., Petzl Tactikka, ~0.2 lbs) with batteries (~0.1 lbs).
Notebook and Pencil: (~0.1 lbs) for route tracking.

Why? Disrupted networks require analog navigation and MURS/FRS for updates.

Weight: ~1.2 lbs (map + compass: 0.3 lbs, radio: 0.5 lbs, headlamp + batteries: 0.3 lbs, notebook: 0.1 lbs).

6. First Aid and Medical (Minimal)

Minimal First Aid Kit: (~0.5 lbs) Bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, personal medications, hemostatic gauze.
Sunscreen/Insect Repellent: Travel-size (~0.2 lbs).

Why? Minimal kit addresses critical injuries (e.g., from bandit encounters). A bandana doubles as a hat or mask.

Weight: ~0.7 lbs (first aid: 0.5 lbs, sunscreen/repellent: 0.2 lbs).

7. Tools and Miscellaneous

Multi-Tool: Leatherman/Gerber (~0.4 lbs).
Paracord: 50–100 ft (~0.3 lbs).
Duct Tape: Small roll (~0.2 lbs).
Ziploc Bags: (~0.1 lbs).
Sewing Kit: (~0.1 lbs).
Solar Phone / Battery Charger: Optional

Why? Tools support self-sufficiency and bartering.

Weight: ~1.1 lbs (multi-tool: 0.4 lbs, paracord: 0.3 lbs, duct tape: 0.2 lbs, bags: 0.1 lbs, sewing kit: 0.1 lbs).

8. Currency and Barter Items

Cash: $500–$1,000 ($1, $5, $10 & a few $20, ~0.5 lbs) for early transactions.
Silver: 10–15 oz (~0.7–1.1 lbs):

Pre-1965 U.S. dimes/quarters (50–100 coins, ~0.4–0.7 lbs, 90% silver) for small trades.
Silver Eagles (5–10 1-oz coins, ~0.3–0.6 lbs) for larger trades.
Hidden in pouches (e.g., sewn into clothing).

Barter Items: Lighters, mini liquor bottles, tampons (~0.3 lbs).

Why? Paper dollars may become worthless (e.g., Russia's 1995 collapse). Silver and barter items retain value.

Weight: ~1.1–1.5 lbs (cash: 0.1 lbs, silver: 0.7–1.1 lbs, barter: 0.3 lbs).

9. Personal Items

ID/Documents: Copies in waterproof bag (~0.1 lbs).
Hygiene Kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sanitizer (~0.3 lbs).
Sunglasses: (~0.1 lbs).

Weight: ~0.5 lbs (ID: 0.1 lbs, hygiene: 0.3 lbs, sunglasses: 0.1 lbs).

Total Weight

Self-Defense: 6.4 lbs
Water: 3.8 lbs
Food: 3.6 lbs
Shelter/Warmth: 3.8 lbs
Navigation/Communication: 1.2 lbs
First Aid: 0.7 lbs
Tools: 1.1 lbs
Currency/Barter: 1.1–1.5 lbs
Personal Items: 0.5 lbs
Backpack: 3 lbs
Total: ~28.65–29.05 lbs (add 1-6 pounds of things you need to hit ~35 lbs).

Travel Plan

Phase 1: Pre-Disaster Preparation

Route Planning: Map backroads and for Plan B, wooded areas to avoid checkpoints/bandits. Use paper (in a freezer bag) or plastic coated water proof maps. The average adult walks 3-4 miles per hour, which is not sustainable all day carrying a 35 lb pack, nor walking with caution. Two (2) miles per hour (mph) is realistic on easy terrain like roads and trails. This is a reasonable estimate if gasoline is out of supply but social order remains calm. You might hitchhike and get a ride in this case. IF however there is a breakdown of Law& Order and civilization, 1 mile per hour through the woods (avoiding trails) is more likely. Traveling for 10 hours per day, stopping to eat, boil water, sleep, etc. this would have you traveling 10 to 20 miles per day.
Vehicle Prep: Keep the gas tank half full, carry a siphon pump, 5–10 gallons of extra fuel (if permitted), and a vehicle kit (including jumper cables and tire repair tools). Also have a pair of Binoculars for scouting ahead, and wear them around your neck while walking.
Caches: Pre-position food/water/ammo along routes, if possible.
Training: Practice hiking with 35-lb pack, Glock use (with laser/light), fishing, and trip wire setup.

Phase 2: Driving Phase

Start Immediately: Civilians should leave work upon Warning Signs of disaster onset.
Avoid Checkpoints: Use backroads, and discreetly monitor MURS/FRS radio for potential threats. Use a headset to avoid noise.
Conserve Fuel: Drive efficiently, and use cash for fuel early.
Stay Discreet: Conceal Glock under poncho, avoid and/or comply at checkpoints with ID/cash bribes. Be aware that there is a risk they will kill you and take all your supplies. For this reason, you should avoid them, even if they are wearing professional uniforms like those of law enforcement or the military.

Phase 3: Transition to Hiking

Abandon Vehicle: Hide the car off-road when the fuel supply runs out.
Gear Up: Transfer 35-lb bag. Fill the bottle, ensure Glock access.
Enter the Wilderness: Navigate the woods with a map/compass, using a red/green headlamp for nighttime travel.

Phase 4: Wilderness Survival

Travel Tactics: Move at dawn/dusk with red/green headlamp. Stay off the trails and camp in hidden spots.
Security: Set SpyderWire trip wires with a bear bell. Keep Glock ready.
Water/Food: Ration food (1,500–2,000 calories/day). Refill the bottle, boil, or use a straw. Fish when safe.
Shelter: Use a poncho for shelter/concealment. Limit fires.
Progress: 10–12 miles/day (300 miles = 25–30 days).

Phase 5: Reaching Home

Scout Home: Approach carefully at night.
Regroup: "Bug in," share resources with trusted allies.

Cash and Silver Strategy

Cash ($500–$1,000, ~0.1 lbs): Use early for fuel/bribes. Paper dollars may lose value.
Silver (10–15 oz, ~0.7–1.1 lbs): Pre-1965 coins for small trades, Silver Eagles for larger ones. Hide to avoid theft.
Barter Items (~0.3 lbs): Lighters, liquor, tampons for quick trades.

Sources and Rationale

Prepper Handbook: Guides lightweight gear, defense, and barter strategies.
Web Sources (e.g., TruePrepper, Ready.gov): Support water, food, and minimal first aid.
Author Specifications: Concealable Glock, MURS/FRS radio, laser/light, fishing kit, trip wire, minimal first aid, large bandana, camouflage backpack, 35-lb target.
Weight Estimates: Based on manufacturer data (e.g., Klean Kanteen, Streamlight) and prepper lists.

Summary: The likelihood of this happening is small, but if it does occur, the consequences would be severe. Reading this is free, having a backpack and supplies costs a few bucks, but could prove to be priceless someday.

Your comments are welcome in the chat box at the bottom.