Minimal Emergency Kit
Jan 2010 - Updated Apr 2020
One of the questions I get often, especially after posting the Urban Commute Kit, is what I would carry in an emergency if I needed to get out quickly.
No, not a bug-out bag.
This is a kit designed for emergencies. Something you can grab that stays lightweight, keeps you fast and nimble, and gives you the tools needed to acquire things you may need down the road. I rely heavily on training, mindset, and the ability to adapt as I go, so my kit is minimal and simple.
It includes:
- Glock 19
- SureFire flashlight
- SureFire pen
- Entry kit (by Serepick)
- Digital tools
- A knife
- Burner phone with a prepaid SIM, paid for with a prepaid VISA bought with cash and $300 in cash
- Mini trauma kit
The kit is designed for both offensive and defensive purposes. The keyword here is “purpose”. Every item is purpose-driven and serves a specific role. Nothing is arbitrary. It contains tools that can help save your life and help you procure things if needed. Again, the idea is to remain light and either carry this on your person or in a small pack that stays out of the way.
Speed is safety.
Main Kit
The main part of the kit can be used in both offensive and defensive situations. The firearm, light, and knife are tools that, when properly used and trained with, can help you procure things while also keeping you safe.
The pen, while useful for writing, can also break glass and, as a last resort, be used as an impact or stabbing tool.
The two pouches, one flat and one rolled, contain the entry kit and digital tools. The entry kit helps me get into places or open things to reach other things. The digital kit lets me send secure messages from almost any computer, carry extra prepaid SIM cards for the burner phone, and store copies of important IDs like passports, carry permits, driver’s licenses, and similar documents.
The Entry Kit
The entry kit is simple and lightweight:
- A pair of Bogota Picks
- A shim
- An EZ Decoder
- A quick stick
Simple does it. I’m considering adding a few combs to expand the range of opening options.
EDITED TO ADD
The updated setup is:
- A quick stick
- An EZ Decoder
- A pair of Bogota Picks
- A Mini Comb
- Jigglers
- A pouch by Tracer Tactical
Comms / Phone
The phone is an older iPhone I bought with cash from a store selling used phones. It has a prepaid SIM that is not tied to my identity and was also paid for with cash.
Among other apps, I keep applications that allow me to use GPS functions even without cell service. Inside the protective case, I have stashed $300 in emergency cash.
The Trauma Kit
Finally, the mini trauma kit. It contains what I need to stop bleeding. Period.
Everything else I may be able to procure using the tools above, but a good tourniquet and gauze go a long way. This kit is built around staying light and fast. If you train with it, you can go the distance.
To Close
Simple does it. Like I said, speed is safety, and to remain fast you need to remain light.
Will this kit cover every contingency? No.
Will it allow me to move freely, acquire what I need, and get to safety? Absolutely.
I have mentioned this in other articles, but train, then train again. Do not neglect training. Practice in real-world conditions because life is not sterile.
In the end, it comes down to developing the right mindset.