What’s a “Go-Kit?”

A go-kit (or jump-kit) is what you prepare, keep ready, and grab on the way out the door when responding to the call for emergency response duties. It may consist of a fisherman’s vest, a bag or satchel, or any kind of soft (but well made) “carry-on” luggage. It must contain all the stuff you will or may need for at least a 24 hour stay at your post.

Getting it All Together

This is a list of items that might go into a go-kit or jump-kit. Your needs will vary. See notes.

If you read it before, read it again – many refinements! Your comments are welcome.

The Kit should consist of a flexible system divided between a vest, a bag, and your vehicle. The vest must be light enough to wear for hours, while keeping certain items at hand. The bag should contain larger, bulkier items, as well as re-supply for the vest. Your automobile should contain more resupply items, as well as items you will need if your role is changed or extended. This requires considerable forethought and experience!

The greatest and most frequently seen failures in emergency communications are insufficient batteries and insufficient antennas. If you can’t hit net control with full quieting and strong modulation – for 36 hours! – then everything else is a total waste…

Most Important!

If you do nothing else, GET and FIELD TEST external POWER and external ANTENNA for your HT! …or YOU will the one that delayed the net and caused confusion by not quite being able to hit the repeater! Absolutely everything else on this list is secondary to your radio’s performance — and in field experience, that’s always the weak link!