Why You Need a Go-Bag—Even If You’re Not a CIA Operative

 

Your go-bag may look slightly different than the ones CIA operatives use… but hey, snacks are still mission-critical

     Most people think a “go-bag” is something only spies, Navy SEALs, or paranoid doomsday preppers keep tucked under the bed. But after years of writing the Corey Pearson–CIA Spymaster series, I’m convinced everyone should have one—yes, even you.

     In the intel world, a go-bag is a pre-packed kit for when things go sideways and you have to vanish fast. For a CIA operative, that might mean crossing a border under a fake passport, ducking into a safe house, or catching the last flight out before things get… complicated.

     For you? It could mean having everything ready for a last-minute weekend getaway, a sudden “my boss just lost it” resignation, or beating your neighbor to that prime campsite two states over. Or maybe it’s the moment a friend texts, “Hey, I’m five minutes away!”—and you remember you haven’t cleaned the house in a month. Grab the bag, lock the door, and vanish like you’ve been trained by the CIA.

     The contents are up to you, but here’s a standard spy-style starter pack:

• Cash in multiple currencies (bonus points if you have at least one bill in a language you can’t read—extra cool points if you have no idea where you got it)
• Fake IDs… okay, maybe just a Costco card if you’re staying legal
• Clothes for any climate (black turtlenecks optional, but they do scream “mysterious”)
• Energy bars and water (because hunger makes for poor decision-making)
• Burner phone (or a cheap backup you can toss in a drawer until needed)
• Duct tape (trust me, duct tape is magic—it fixes, fastens, disguises, and occasionally silences)

     Now, here’s the thing: the go-bag isn’t just for fictional spies. In fact, there are real-world examples where it made all the difference. One former CIA operative recounted an assignment in Eastern Europe that went south—fast.  The moment a local contact whispered, “They know who you are,” she was out the door. Her go-bag already had clean clothes, forged travel documents, emergency cash, and a tiny flash drive of intel that couldn’t fall into the wrong hands. She made it to a safe house and out of the country within hours—because she didn’t waste precious time packing toothpaste and socks.

     Granted, you’re probably not going to need forged papers or a diplomatic exfiltration plan (unless your Home Owners Association is really intense). But there are everyday moments where a go-bag can make you feel like the hero in your own story:

• Got an in-law “emergency visit”? Grab the bag and disappear for a peaceful 48 hours.
• Impromptu concert road trip? You’re out the door before your friends even finish Googling directions.
• Office fire drill turns into “everyone work from home for two days”? Your laptop, chargers, and favorite snacks are already in the bag.

     And the beauty of it is, your go-bag can be tailored to your needs. Love camping? Toss in a headlamp, multi-tool, and collapsible coffee mug. More of a beach person? Pack sunscreen, flip-flops, and that paperback you’ve been “meaning to read” for three summers. Parents? Slip in extra snacks, wet wipes, and a phone charger so you can survive the “are we there yet?” stage.

     In Corey Pearson–CIA Spymaster, a go-bag can mean the difference between life and death. In your life, it might just mean snagging the last room at the beach hotel before tourist season kicks in. But in both cases, the principle is the same: when you’re ready to move, you can move now.

     A go-bag also has a strange psychological perk—it makes you feel prepared, like you could walk away from the chaos of everyday life at a moment’s notice. Bad day at work? Traffic jam from hell? Unexpected apocalypse? Your go-bag is sitting there saying, “We’ve got this.”

     So go ahead—build your own. Worst case? It sits in the closet until you need it. Best case? You’ll look like a total pro when your friends realize you can pack your life in 60 seconds flat. And who knows? You might just get hooked on the idea of being ready for anything. Just remember: the key is not only to pack it—but to keep it somewhere you can actually grab it. Nobody ever escaped trouble by rummaging through the attic for a duffel bag.

     Ready to give it a shot? Your inner CIA operative will thank you.

 

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and writes about the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). He also writes the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster Series, which blends his knowledge of real-life intelligence operations with gripping fictional storytelling. His work offers readers an insider’s glimpse into the world of espionage, inspired by the complexities and high-stakes realities of the intelligence community.