Quick Answer
Test your get home bag by simulating a walk of 5-10 miles with the gear, then assess its performance in real-world scenarios.
Assessing Weight and Comfort
To test the weight and comfort of your get home bag, wear it for a 5-mile walk. This simulates the weight and strain you’d experience in an emergency. Aim for a pack weight of 20-25 pounds, as this is manageable for most adults. Consider wearing a hydration bladder or water bottle to simulate the weight of a hydration system.
Simulating the Worst-Case Scenario
To test your get home bag’s performance in a real-world scenario, simulate a worst-case situation. For example, imagine you’re injured and can’t walk. Test your bag’s ability to provide basic first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers. Also, check that you have a means of starting a fire, such as a lighter or matches, and a way to signal for help, such as a whistle or flares.
Evaluating Communication and Navigation
In addition to testing your get home bag’s physical components, also evaluate its communication and navigation capabilities. Test your phone’s battery life and consider investing in a backup power source, such as a portable charger. Also, test your map-reading skills and consider investing in a GPS device or a compass. Practice using these tools in a real-world scenario to ensure you can navigate your way home safely.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.