hey y’all. election day is here, and i know many people are considering running for it if trump gets elected. this is not an idea i endorse, but i know that sometimes the only way to stop feeling trapped is to plan for the worst case scenario, so here’s crow’s guide on how to prepare a half-decent go bag.
if you can, get a bag larger than your school backpack, but smaller than a rolling suitcase. don’t bring a rolling suitcase, as they’re loud and unwieldy and are easily stolen. ideally you’re going to get some kind of backpacking bag with a rig, but my go bag is a carry on luggage bag that has backpack straps and it works fine. bag needs to be sturdy, so stay away from holes or soft material. you’re looking for thick and waterproof.
step two: what classifies as a necessity?
for our purposes, you need food, water, shelter, and communication. communication is listed because you’re probably going to need to call backup, and i’m assuming you’re a minor here.
you’re going to want easily transportable food that doesn’t require heat, so DON’T use canned food, take a box of protein bars. canned food is inconvenient to carry, heavy, and requires heat most of the time. also, take a multivitamin, because scurvy is generally a bad time.
take upwards of two bottles, reusable. also bring either a filtration straw or buy some chemical filtration packets off amazon. make sure to test the lids and make sure they don’t leak. a water bottle can also work as a weapon in a pinch. also bring a lighter and some cotton, these can be used to easily start a fire to boil water, which is why you bring two containers.
this is going to be the hardest one to pack, but here are some things you can do in a pinch. bring 20 ft of paracord and a tarp, you can rig a simple a-frame waterproof tent by tying the paracord between two trees/buildings/whatever. also recommended is a hammock, in which case you set it up and use the tent to shield yourself from rain. blankets are largely useless here as they get wet and are way too bulky to transport. focus on waterproof and windproof shells will be best. sleeping bags are also good, but are only a step up from the aforementioned blankets, but they can work in a pinch. the best thing you can do for warmth is take as many jackets as you can, as many layers as you can, and sleep with those instead.
also consider where you might stay. public libraries are a godsend, as you only need an email in many cases, and you get free wifi and heating. cafes are less good as they trick you into spending what little money you have. ideally you’re going to have a set address you’re headed to, like a relative’s house or a friend you trust.
bring your phone and a charger, but that only goes so far. reusable chargers are useful, so if you stop in a cafe with open outlets you should charge those as well. burner phones are great but can be inaccessible for many, and you would want to aim for a satellite phone anyhow. keep id on you at all times, like passport, driver’s license, etc in case of emergency.
you can’t fit this in a bag, but this is important to have a plan for. bikes are going to be your best friend here, they can help carry things you can’t fit in a bag, are easily tied down, are lightweight, and parts cost way less than a car. cars are also great but be mindful of license plates and gas money.
step eight: other necessities
clothing: bring a second set of clothing, thick socks and gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, and emergency sewing kit.
first aid: a full kit, must include multiple kinds of bandaids, butterfly sutures, alcohol wipes, neosporin, gauze, advil, benadryl, any medication you need to take, and hand warming pads.
protection: multitool (leatherman makes great ones), pocket knife (kitchen knives are only if nothing else is available), hammer if no blades, anything you can use to defend yourself. keep your head down and try not to interact with others you meet on the streets. refuse all substances. NO FIREARMS, YOU WILL BE ARRESTED OR SHOT.
hygiene: travel toothbrush/toothpaste, but don’t use your bottled water, only bathroom water. bring mouthwash, flossers, and a shit ton of deodorant, the spray kind for clothes. also bring wet wipes, they’re the best for cleaning yourself without access to a shower.
this will probably get updated as i think of more things, and add your own stuff too. just remember that staying with a caregiver is better than running for it, and that i in no way endorse running away, especially if you’re a minor. this is intended to be instruction for worst case scenarios to help ease other’s minds and help them feel safe.
please stay safe out there yall, and remember that presidents can only serve two terms. love all of you platonically.
-your paranoid and agoraphobic older brother
