Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you're away from home when the SHTF and don't have your supplies or maybe not even a get home bag, a compact, lightweight go pouch could be the one thing that keeps you alive. Inspired by military doctrine and tested in real-world scenarios, a go pouch (also called a last-ditch survival kit) is designed to provide essential tools for evasion, signaling, shelter, fire, water, and more.
Recently, I found a great example on the Youtube channel, Ranger Survival and Field Craft. The host, Andrew, is a former Ranger instructor who walks through a well-thought-out pouch setup based on Marine Corps survival manuals and his personal experience in Ranger school. You can see his video along with a list of everything in the kit below.
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What You Should Already Be Carrying
Before explaining what to put in the go pouch itself, Andrew stresses that you should already be carrying the following:
- A fixed-blade or folding knife
- A multi-tool
- A sharpening stone
- A fire-starting method
- A snack
These essentials should be in your pockets, not buried in your pack. As he says, “We survive out of our pockets.”
How to Build a Military Go Pouch
Use a compact utility pouch such as this one. Something you can attach to your backpack or stuff into a cargo pocket. Here’s what to put inside:
Fire Starting & Warmth
- Scout-size Ferro Rod – Compact but reliable.
- Matches (Waterproofed) – Coat them in wax for water resistance.
- Aviator Spark Light – Flint wheel from a lighter, great as a backup.
- Trioxane Bar – Military-issue fire starter for quick heat or cooking.
- Camo Face Paint – Doubles as a flame extender due to its waxy base.
Water Purification
- Water Purification Tablets – Treat up to 32 oz at a time.
- World Pack Water Bag (32 oz) – Collapsible and easy to fill in the field.
Navigation & Signaling
- Emergency Headlamp – White/red light, strobe features for night signaling.
- Fox 40 Pealess Whistle – Loud, durable auditory signal.
- IR Chemlight + 550 Cord – Can be spun as a buzz saw for night signals.
- Signal Mirror – Flash rescue aircraft or distant teams.
- VS-17 Panel – High-visibility signal panel, folds flat.
- Basic Compass – For land navigation and orientation.
Tools & Crafting
- Leatherman Squirt Multi-tool – Fine crafting, snaring, or repairs.
- Commando Wire Saw – Compact, usable as a hand saw or bow saw.
- Snare/Repair Wire – Reclaimed from trip-wire sets; similar to picture hanging wire.
- Tape Sachets – Mini kits wrapped in duct tape:
- Sewing Kit: Thread, needles, safety pins
- Fishing Kit: Line, razor blade, hooks, swivels
Shelter & Medical
- Cravat – Use as a bandage, sling, or head covering for camo.
- 100 MPH Tape (Duct Tape) – Repairs, bandages, or improvised gear.
- Casualty Blanket (Mylar) – Shelter or emergency warming.
Cordage
- Type I Cord (20 ft) – Thin, great for snares or traps.
- Type II 550 Cord (6 ft) – Stronger, ideal for shelter or repairs.
Final Thoughts
This go pouch is a minimalist, purpose-driven survival kit with one mission: help you stay alive when everything else fails. Every item is either standard military issue or can be found at surplus stores, the PX, or basic outdoor retailers.
For the full breakdown and visual demonstration, check out the original video on the Ranger Survival and Field Craft YouTube channel.
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