The Family Go Bag System: How to Prepare for Emergencies Without Breaking the Bank

I put up a reel on IG recently, showing how to pack a complete emergency go bag using items you already have at home! Today, we're diving deeper into the concept, explaining why emergency preparedness doesn't have to break the bank—and how to upgrade your setup over time if you choose to. BONUS: I have a free emergency contact card download for you!

I also want to make sure that you use my discount code AMBERELLE on any purchases you make at Vertx!

Start Where You Are

Emergency preparedness is about readiness, not perfection. The truth is, having any emergency kit is better than having none at all. That's why I advocate for the "shop your home" approach:

1. Use what you have - That old backpack in your closet? Perfect for getting started.

2. Gather existing supplies - Your home likely contains 80% of what you need already. You have way too much stuff to begin with, being assumptive, and you can re-allocate so much of that "stuff"

3. Focus on function over form - A water bottle is a water bottle, whether it's a fancy brand or not.

This approach removes the biggest barrier to preparedness: the perception that it's expensive or complicated. You can create a functional go bag today with items already in your possession.

Creating a Family Go Bag System

One of the most overlooked aspects of emergency preparedness is creating specialized bags for each family member. This approach offers several advantages:

Every Person Gets a Pack

Each family member—including children—should have their own appropriately sized go bag containing:

• Personal identification

• Basic hygiene supplies

• Water bottle/hydration

• Change of clothes

• Small comfort item (especially important for children)

My approach is to use my own pack as the "command center" with comprehensive supplies, while creating specialized roles for my children's packs.

The Family Resource Network Strategy

Here's where preparation gets interesting: the more family members you have, the more collective resources you can transport! I've implemented a specialization strategy that works brilliantly:

• Child #1: Medical Specialist - Their pack contains expanded first aid, medications, and treatment supplies

• Child #2: Survival Specialist - Their pack focuses on tools, shelter components, and navigation

• Child #3: Nutrition Specialist - Their pack carries additional food, water purification, and cooking supplies

This approach has multiple benefits:

1. Distributes weight appropriately - Nobody carries too much

2. Creates redundancy - Critical supplies are spread across multiple packs

3. Builds ownership - Each person feels responsible for their contribution

4. Develops skills - Family members learn about their specialty area

5. Increases total carrying capacity - More people means more resources

Each child's pack still contains their personal essentials, but the specialized additions mean that as a family unit, we're carrying a much more comprehensive emergency kit than any individual could manage alone.

Age-Appropriate Responsibilities

Tailor each pack to the age, size, and capabilities of the carrier:

• Young children (4-7): Very light packs with mostly their own essentials plus perhaps a few bandages or snacks to share

• Older children (8-12): Begin adding specialized equipment with weight appropriate to size

• Teens: Can carry nearly adult-level specialized equipment

The key is ensuring no one is overburdened while maximizing your family's collective preparedness.

ID Cards and Cross-Training

Attach waterproof ID cards to the exterior of each pack with:

• Owner's name

• Role specialization ("Medical Pack")

Ensure everyone knows what each pack contains and basic usage of critical items, even if they're not carrying them. This cross-training ensures that if family members are separated from their packs (or each other), they can still utilize available resources effectively.

What Goes in Your Go Bag

Whether you're using a decades-old backpack or a specialized tactical bag, the essentials remain the same:

Water & Hydration

• Reusable water bottle

• Water purification tablets (often hanging out in camping gear)

• I love adding in some electrolytes and flavoring, because treated water isn't a delicacy... but we can fool our palate with a little flavor!

• Also, just toss a bottle or two of actual water in there. Don't make things overcomplicated for yourself.

Food Essentials

• Protein bars from your pantry

• Nuts, dried fruit, jerky, and non-perishable snacks

• Aim for 3 days worth of calories that don't require cooking

Medical Supplies

• Bandages and gauze from your bathroom cabinet

• Antiseptic wipes, pain relievers

• Prescription medications (rotate regularly)

• Any personal medical necessities

Tools & Protection

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Multi-tool or basic tools

• Lighter or matches

• Paracord or strong rope

• Duct tape and emergency whistle

Personal Items

• Phone charger

• Emergency contact list (more on this below)

• Small amount of cash

• Basic hygiene: toothbrush, soap, wet wipes

Clothing & Shelter

• Change of clothes

• Rain protection (even an old poncho works)

• Compact emergency blanket

  
  

The Emergency Contact List: A Critical Component

One element that costs nothing but could be invaluable is a comprehensive emergency contact list. This should include:

• ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts

• Local emergency services numbers

• Out-of-state contact person

• Meeting locations for family reunification

• Critical medical information

Print this list on waterproof paper or laminate it, and include copies in each family member's go bag.

My Journey to a Better Go Bag

While I strongly believe in starting with what you have, I'm also a firm believer in gradually upgrading your emergency gear as resources allow. Over time, I've invested in quality equipment that enhances reliability and functionality.

My personal go-to is the Vertx Long Walks 28L Pack. After trying many options, I settled on this for several reasons, and if you ever want to invest in your own Vertx gear, use code AMBERELLE for a discount!

• Lightweight design - At under 1.5 pounds, it doesn't add unnecessary burden

• Water-resistant fabric - Adds protection for the contents

• Light-colored interior - Makes finding items quick and intuitive

• Comfortable padded straps - Critical for potential long-distance carrying

• Thoughtful organization - The front dump pocket and internal layout keep essentials accessible

What I particularly love about the Vertx approach is their Tactigami system—modular organization accessories that attach to the interior loop panels. These allow me to customize the internal setup to my specific needs, grouping medical supplies in one pouch and tools in another for quick access.

Finding Your Balance

The sweet spot in emergency preparedness is balancing immediacy with improvement:

1. Start today with whatever you have

2. Use the bag to understand what works and what doesn't

3. Upgrade strategically when you can, prioritizing items that address pain points

4. Personalize your system to your specific needs and situation

There's no one-size-fits-all solution. Your emergency needs in rural Montana differ from someone living in downtown Miami. The key is having something ready now while working toward your ideal setup over time.

The Underrated Value of Practice

Regardless of whether you're using a repurposed school backpack or a specialized tactical bag, familiarity matters more than features. Practice accessing your supplies regularly by:

• Running drills with your family

• Updating perishable items every six months

• Reassessing your needs seasonally

• Actually using the bag for a day to test functionality

A perfectly packed bag you can't use effectively is far less valuable than a basic bag you know intimately.

Conclusion: Start Simple, Upgrade Thoughtfully

Emergency preparedness shouldn't be gatekept behind expensive gear. Start where you are with what you have—today. If you later decide to invest in specialized equipment like my preferred Vertx system, do so mindfully, understanding what problems you're solving.

Remember: the best emergency bag is the one you actually have ready when you need it.

Free Resource: Download our Emergency Contact Cards to ensure you have critical information organized and accessible in any situation.

What items would you add to your go bag? Let me know in the comments!