What's in the Go Bag?

Our Go Bag items.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term “Go Bag,” I’ll start with my definition.

It’s a bag that you carry that contains items you may need while traveling. They're regular items that you should have packed in your main bag, but forgot; items you use rarely, but when needed, you’re very happy to have; plus, extra items to supplement your regular supply. As with anything, the items in your Go Bag are personal to your own needs.

The bag itself doesn’t have to be anything special, but it should be big enough for everything you need and easy to find (let’s say, not black, which would be hard to see in a dark storage cabinet).

My first bag was a patterned teal-colored zippered fabric cosmetic bag I already had. Since then, I've upgraded and expanded a couple of times.

If you don’t have one on hand, something like these would work.

If you don’t already have your own go-bag, I’m listing everything in mine as a starting point. Feel free to use or ignore what I’ve listed.

Supplemental First Aid Items

We keep a full-sized first aid kit in the camper – these are extra.

• Bandages

• Antibacterial ointment

• Anti-itch cream, such as cortisone

• Moleskin protective padding (for blisters)

• Cleansing wipes

• Oral thermometer

• Emergency ice pack

Over the Counter and Prescription Medications

• Pain relief tablets (ibuprofin or acetominophin or both)

• Pepto Bismol chewable tablets

• Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine) tablets

• Decongestants

• Urinary pain relief tablets

• Meclizine tablets (for motion sickness)

• Anti-diarrheal tablets

• Chewable antacid tablets

• Voltaren gel

• Cough drops

Miscellaneous/Extra Stuff

• Hand soap (travel sized, from a long-ago hotel stay)

• Leatherman Micra

• Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Lavender Castille Soap (can be used as hand soap, shampoo and body wash -- or dish detergent in a pinch)

• Hand sanitizer (travel size)

• KN95 disposable face masks (we keep a few extras in the bag)

• Hair ties

• Travel size toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Dental floss

• Foam ear plugs

• Lip balm

• Magnifying compact mirror

• Disposable razor

• Tick remover, in a small plastic bag. Put the tick in the bag if you think you’ll need to identify it later.

• Waterproof matches

• Hand lotion sample

• Sample sized sun block

• Extra charger and cables

• Gear Aid Tenacious Tape kit

I’ve turned to the Go Bag often in our travels. One time, I had forgotten my ear plugs and was very happy to have backup when we were camping at a particular noisy Harvest Host. Most recently, we had to use the the tick remover – yuck!

Pack your Go Bag for every trip, and pack it in the same place. The Go Bag should be checked often and replenished as needed. I’ve also found that I find new items that should be added.

If you are starting from scratch, I've made a free downloadable shopping list. If you purchase through any of the Amazon affiliate links here or on the shopping list, we receive a small commission.

What would you put in your Go Bag?