2025 Search and Rescue EDC Bag [Episode 34]

What’s in My Get-Me-to-Safety Bag — and Why I Carry It

In my latest episode of the Dr. Virga Podcast, I walked through the full setup of my get-me-to-safety bag—a real-world EDC backpack built to help me survive, move, and adapt if my home or environment is compromised.

This isn’t a glamorized “tactical” loadout. It’s a practical kit built from experience—military service, EMT training, and years of being on the move. From trauma care and shelter to hydration and self-recovery, every piece of gear I carry is designed to meet one goal: keep me alive and mobile. You can find everything (or a close equivalent) on my Amazon list:

👉 amazon.com/shop/drvirga

🔧 Tools & Utility

• Leatherman ARC + Bit SetMy go-to multitool. Cuts, fixes, opens, pries—if I can only carry one tool, this is it.

• Pry BarFor forced entry, vehicle rescue, or leverage when my hands aren’t enough.

• Knipex Pliers/WrenchesThese replace a full wrench set. Great for quick fixes and mechanical emergencies.

• TweezersFor splinters, ticks, or grabbing small items from kits or wounds.

• Novaris Foldable Utensil SetLightweight and compact. Because eating hot food with a stick is overrated.

• Cordage, Duct Tape & Electrical Tape (wrapped on cards)Multi-use for repairs, medical splinting, temporary shelters, or gear patches.

• Writing Tools (Pens, Sharpie, Pencil, Post-its)I use these for notes, labels, trail markings, and backup communication.

• Rite in the Rain PenWrites on wet paper, skin, and almost anything. I keep a backup in my wallet.

• Ranger Pace BeadsFor analog distance tracking during hikes or if I lose GPS functionality.

🔦 Power & Lighting

• Nitecore EDC27 FlashlightSlim, powerful, and rechargeable. I use it daily—especially walking my dog at night.

• Nitecore 20,000 mAh Carbon Fiber Power BankCharges my phone and devices multiple times. I check it once a month—it’s still full.

• USB-C Charging Cable (wrapped in cordage)Dual-use item: power cable + backup cordage if needed in an emergency.

• Waterproof MatchesThese are winter-only. If I need to start a fire in cold or wet weather, they’re reliable.

• Bic Lighter in Waterproof CaseMy go-to firestarter. I’ve added backup cordage to the case just in case.

• Altoids Tin (repurposed)Great for making fire kits, storing wax, or converting into a mini candle.

💉 Medical & Hygiene Supplies

• Medical Gloves (multiple sets)For trauma response, biohazards, or just not touching nasty stuff.

• Alcohol/Iodine Prep PadsFor wound cleaning or gear sanitation.

• NeosporinI carry this in every kit—cuts, scrapes, burns—it helps prevent infection.

• HydroSeal Blister BandagesIf you’ve ever had a blister ruin a hike, you know these are clutch.

• N95 + Surgical MasksRespiratory protection in smoke, dust, illness, or crowded spaces.

• Honeypot Feminine WipesFor feminine hygiene, but also great for general sanitation on the go.

• Wound Closure Strips / Butterfly BandagesWhen sutures aren’t an option—these will hold things together until help arrives.

• Lens WipesI wear glasses and work with screens. These keep things clear.

• LeukotapeMore durable than Moleskine. Great for hotspots, blisters, or field taping.

• Hand Sanitizer (Spray + Pump)Redundant on purpose. One stays clipped, one lives in the med pouch.

• Boom Boom Nasal StickMenthol stick for sinus relief, allergies, and a quick mental wake-up.

• CPR Mask w/ GlovesFor safe rescue breathing and response to trauma scenes.

• CAT Tourniquet (x2)I carry multiple. If you’re bleeding out, one might not be enough.

• Sunscreen + LotionSkin protection and hydration, especially in harsh climates.

🥣 Cooking & Food

• MSR Pocket Rocket DeluxeReplaced my Jetboil for summer. It’s lighter, has a built-in igniter, and boils fast.

• Evolve Supply Co. Titanium PotLightweight, durable, and fire-ready. I cook straight out of this.

• Pinnacle Foods MealsNo more MREs. These taste great and are calorie-dense for their weight.

• Brew Company Fruit Tea PacksMorale boosters. Raspberry fruit tea is my go-to comfort drink.

• Slim Travel Pill BoxHolds my supplements and a few meds in a sleek, space-saving design.

💧 Hydration

• Grail Water Filtration BottleI use this every day. Press-style filtration for creek water or worse.

• Iodine TabletsTastes terrible, but it’s my last-resort water purification backup.

🧭 Navigation & Signaling

• Sunnto Compass with MirrorFor when electronics die. The mirror also doubles as a signaling tool.

• Laminated Southern California MapI always carry a physical map of my area—just not showing you my exact one 😉

🧥 Clothing & Shelter

• Outdoor Research Rain JacketLightweight and packable. Always with me in case the weather flips.

• Black Diamond Bipod BivvyMy go-to shelter—sets up in seconds and weighs almost nothing.

• 5.11 Shemagh / ScarfMulti-use for sun, sling, warmth, or even filtering water in a pinch.

• Sam Splint (Wrist Size)For sprains, fractures, or field immobilization. Easy to cut down or adapt.

🧰 Other Essentials

• Helko Werk HatchetI keep this in my car. Shelter building, splitting wood, or defense if needed.

• Petzl CarabinerClimbing-rated and weight-bearing for self-rescue or rigging.

• Black Diamond Climbing GlovesThe only gloves I’ve found that fit my smaller hands perfectly.

• Black Diamond Grip Strength TrainerOkay, not essential—but it keeps me occupied and helps with grip rehab.

• Dry Bag (varies by season)Protects my critical gear from water and keeps things compartmentalized.

🪪 Admin & Backup

• Supplemental WalletBackup ID, spare card, occasional cash, and non-essential memberships.

• USB Flash DriveKeeps copies of important documents or files in case I’m off grid.

✅ Build Your Own Bag

You can shop everything above directly from my Amazon page:🔗 amazon.com/shop/drvirga

Whether you’re building your first kit or updating your current loadout, this is real gear I trust—and use. Stay ready, stay sharp.

– Dr. Virga