Many will notice my GHB is as comprehensive as a lightweight BOB. This isn't a coincidence. I always advocate STAYING HOME in an emergency until doing so is a completely untenable option. You have to get home to stay there. However, once you arrive at your home you may find it has been destroyed. I've been involved in natural disaster recovery efforts wherein homes were completely and utterly...gone. The only sign there WAS a house would be the foundation block.

These experiences imprinted upon my survival mindset an opinion that the best kit is worthless if you don't have it on you. This is why I keep the above listed GHB handy. My very similar, albeit more extensive, BOB might never get retrieved.

I've often contemplated eliminating the GHB level of kit entirely in favor of just keeping my BOB on hand. However, I always default to concerns over looking like a "militant survivalist walking home" instead of the "gray business man walking home". Granted, if the fecal matter fully impacts the oscillating blades all pretext of being "just some guy" will take second priority to being ready to move swift, silent and deadly.

My research and theory holds thus:

Cataclysm comes in two forms: SWIFT and PROGRESSIVE. The severity level can vary in each.

SWIFT EMERGENCIES

These are events that occur without warning. Examples include: surprise nuclear attack; acts of terrorism; tornadoes (there are some warnings, but they can "pop up" too); EMP event; train derailment with bio or chem irritant or worse; etc. This category also includes violent assault.

Swift Emergencies will force the survivor to rely upon prior planning. They may not have access to mechanized travel. They may not have a home or neighborhood to return to. These are the most difficult to survive, and require the most thorough consideration, planning and review.

PROGRESSIVE EMERGENCIES

These are events that have precursors and often involve escalation. Examples include: racial rioting; hurricanes; police state actions; traditional warfare, etc.

Progressive Emergencies are like seasonal clothing. As the weather gets colder you can add more clothing. Similarly, as the situation deteriorates you can increase your situational preparedness.

Identifying and quantifying the threats you face is the first step in preparedness. Buying a backpack and filling it with kit is a lot more fun than thinking about a biological release killing your family (in a most horrific way), but if you identify the threat then you can: A) learn how to mitigate the threat; B) acquire the gear needed to assist "A".