Practical Prepping Podcast — Episode 534: Building an Urban Get‑Home‑Bag; Surviving in the City

Hosts: Mark & Krista Lawley
Date: November 24, 2025

Overview: Urban Preparedness, Not Paranoia

This episode focuses on creating an effective, discreet "get-home bag" specifically for urban environments. Mark and Krista break down what essential items (and skills) actually matter for city-dwellers who may need to get home safely during unexpected crises—think power outages, protests, transit shutdowns—not doomsday scenarios. The emphasis is on blending in, traveling light, and carrying items that keep you practically prepared, not paranoid. As Mark says:

"City survival doesn't mean running for the hills. It's not about camouflage. It's about invisibility." (00:20, Mark)

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Gray Man” Principle

• Select a nondescript backpack that doesn’t scream “prepper” or “tactical.”
  • Example: An old laptop bag or standard commuter backpack.
  • "You want something that looks like any other commuter in the city." (04:00, Krista)
• Blend in with urban crowds to avoid drawing attention.

2. Critical Core Categories for Your Urban Get-Home Bag

A. Personal Essentials

• Cash: Small bills ($1, $5, $10), divided and hidden in multiple places (pockets, shoes, socks).
• Identification: Keep it simple—driver’s license or local ID.

B. Lighting

• Carry a flashlight or headlamp with adjustable low lumens settings to avoid attention.
• Spare batteries are essential.
  • “You can move through [the city] without being spotted from a distance.” (05:10, Mark)

C. First Aid & Meds

• Compact kit: Alcohol swabs, pain relief spray, large bandages, gauze, Israeli bandage, tourniquet (if needed).
• Over-the-counter meds: Imodium (anti-diarrheal), anti-inflammatories, antihistamines (Benadryl), antiseptic cream.
• Use Ziploc bags for waterproofing.
  • "You probably don’t need a full trauma case, but more than a boo-boo kit." (05:50, Krista)
• Bandana: Invaluable as a multi-use item (wound wrap, sun protection, water filtration, etc.).

D. Fire & Warmth

• Small fire kit: Compact lighter, matches, tinder. Prioritize stealth—avoid big, noticeable fires.
• Optional: Hand warmers (HotHands), self-heating wraps, Mylar emergency blanket, “woobi” (military poncho liner), contractor-grade trash bags (rain gear, shelter, emergency sleeping bag).
  • “If you wrap up in that woobi and a Mylar blanket, you’ll stay warm in some pretty cold weather.” (10:15, Mark)

E. Clothing and Footwear

• Durable, “gray man” clothes: Hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants—avoid flashy or tactical-looking clothing.
• Seasonally appropriate layers are critical.
• Well-worn, comfortable shoes or boots; spare socks for warmth and foot care.
  • “Your feet, you need to take care of your feet so they’ll take care of you.” (11:10, Mark)

F. Tools & Equipment (“The sexy stuff!”)

• Multi-tool: Core essential (knife, screwdriver, pliers, etc.).
• Fixed-blade knife and extra folding knife.
• Wire saw: Lightweight, optional for wood cutting.
• Small pry bar: For forced entry in emergencies (e.g., getting out of elements).
• Bolt cutters: Optional for urban navigation (heavy, but can cut locks/fences if truly necessary).
• Adjustable wrench & pliers: Useful for building access, shutting off utilities.
  • “A small pry bar… it’s extra weight, but might just save you.” (14:05, Mark)

G. Navigation & Communication

• Paper map (city and surroundings)—don’t rely solely on electronic devices.
• Compass: Know how to use it; practice orienteering.
• Notebook & pen: For notes, directions, or leaving messages.
  • "Practice when there’s no emergency so your mind knows exactly what to do." (15:55, Krista)

H. Hygiene & Sanitation

• Wet wipes/baby wipes: Multi-purpose use.
• Toilet paper: Half-roll, core removed and compressed in Ziploc for minimal space.
• Biodegradable tissues: Small, water-activated options available.
• Insect repellent: Essential in warmer cities.

I. Shelter & Protection

• Small tarp: 5x7 to 8x10 feet for rain or wind protection.
• Contractor grade bags, Mylar blanket, woobi: Multi-use shelter options.
• Paracord: For constructing shelters or securing gear.
  • “A cheap blue tarp is fine—just needs to be big enough for you to curl under if needed.” (19:00, Mark)

J. Food (No-Cook, High-Energy)

• Trail mix (no chocolate in heat), granola/protein/energy bars, Payday candy bar (“the preppers' candy bar”), canned meats, fruits, chili, beef stew, etc.
• Tuna/chicken salad pouches.
• Can opener: (like P38) or multi-tool with can opener built-in.
  • “The idea of eating beef stew cold is… not…but if I’m trying to get home and I’m hungry, we’ll go with it.” (21:25, Mark)

K. Water & Filtration

• Single-wall stainless steel bottle (can boil water).
• Portable filter: Sawyer Mini/Squeeze (preferred over LifeStraw because it screws onto bottles), purification tablets.
• Silcock key: For accessing water spigots on commercial buildings—very urban-specific.
• Ziploc or heavy-duty bags: For carrying and collecting water temporarily.
  • "A Silcock key is one of those things you don’t notice until you need to." (23:00, Krista)

L. Defense and Safety

• Personal defense items: Firearm (if legal), high-quality OC/pepper spray (Sabre), avoid wasp spray “myth.”
• “In a grid-down situation…you may need to get into a building with a lock on it—not advocating burglary, but survival.” (14:35, Mark)
• "Don't be looking at the old tale of carrying the wasp spray—that's not going to work.” (24:45, Mark)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Mark, on mind-set:

  "The difference between panic and calm is preparation." (00:16)

• On choosing bags:

  "Pick up [a backpack] at the thrift store…just looking like any other commuter in the city." (03:49, Krista)

• Krista, on first aid realism:

  "You don’t need a full-on trauma case—but you want more than a boo-boo kit." (05:50, Krista)

• Mark, on clothing:

  "If your city tends to wear ball caps, then have a ball cap. If they wear boonie hats and it’s not uncommon, have one." (12:15)

Summary: The Urban Get-Home Bag Priorities

(24:50–25:53)

Krista’s “Core Urban Survival Categories:”

• Water
• Shelter & Warmth
• First Aid
• Navigation
• Food
• Defense
• Inconspicuous Clothing

"You want to blend in—observe the gray man. Travel light. Don’t attract attention with bright lights or flashy clothing. Stay situationally aware. Always make sure you’re looking around corners before you step out." (24:53, Krista)

Final Notes

• Practical prepping, not paranoia: Focus is on realistic threats, actionable steps, and community-building.
• Water preparedness: Special mention of their Water 3.0 course deal.
• Community engagement: Feedback and topic suggestions invited at their contact page.

Table of Key Segments (Timestamps)

| Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|-------------| | Urban prepping mindset | 00:00–01:09 | | Bag selection & blending in | 03:47–04:24 | | Essentials: cash, ID, lighting | 04:24–05:47 | | First aid & medication | 05:47–07:43 | | Fire, warmth, clothing | 08:06–12:17 | | Tools & equipment | 12:30–15:55 | | Navigation & communication | 15:55–16:57 | | Hygiene & sanitation | 16:57–18:47 | | Shelter & protection | 18:47–20:00 | | Food & Water | 20:00–24:00 | | Defense & safety | 24:00–24:50 | | Urban get-home bag priorities | 24:50–25:53 |

In Krista’s words:

“Stuff happens. Stay prepared.” (26:54, Krista)