In a world where circumstances can change in the blink of an eye, having an alternate kit tucked away in a safe deposit box offers a unique layer of security and discretion.

When it comes to being prepared for worst-case scenarios, operatives know that readiness isn’t just about having a plan – it’s about having options.

A bank safe deposit box can serve as the ultimate secondary or tertiary covert go-bag, a secure location where you can stash the essentials needed to survive, escape, and evade when the situation demands it.

This approach of using a safe deposit box as a go-bag stash is a strategic alternative to the traditional method of hiding a go-bag in a public location, such as a locker or concealed spot. While stashing a bag in public allows for quick, anytime access, it also comes with significant risks – there’s always the chance it could be discovered, tampered with, or even stolen.

By securing your kit in a bank safe deposit box, you trade off some immediate accessibility for enhanced security and privacy. It eliminates the worry of someone stumbling upon your hidden gear and ensures that, when you do retrieve your kit, everything is intact and ready for action.

Why a Safe Deposit Box?

A bank safe deposit box is an excellent non-primary choice for storing an emergency kit. Unlike a home safe, it’s not vulnerable to burglary, fire, or other domestic risks. Its discreet location makes it less likely to draw attention, and with access controlled by both you and the bank, it offers a level of security that’s hard to beat. For operatives or anyone serious about personal security, this is a highly strategic option for stashing essentials.

Another advantage of using a safe deposit box for your go-bag is the layer of privacy it provides. Unlike storing items at home, where they could be easily linked to you or discovered during a search, a safe deposit box benefits from the bank’s privacy protocols. Access to your box is generally off-limits to anyone without a court order, adding a legal buffer that protects your assets from prying eyes.

Additionally, the sterile environment of a bank vault ensures that your kit remains in pristine condition, safe from environmental damage like humidity, pests, or fire. For operatives who prioritize discretion and security, this level of anonymity and protection is invaluable.

Using Bank Safe Deposit Box as a 'Go-Bag' Kit in Zurich, Switzerland | Tradecraft

Contents of the Go-Bag Kit

The key to a good go-bag is versatility. Your safe deposit box kit should contain items that can help you survive in an urban setting, travel locally or internationally, set up a new life, and defend yourself if necessary. Here’s what that might look like:

Cash: Local currency for immediate expenses and a small stash of major foreign currencies like U.S. dollars or euros. These can be life-savers when digital payments aren’t an option, and you need to move quickly.

Prepaid Debit Cards: Load these with funds and store them securely. They offer the flexibility of cash without the bulk, and they can be used internationally with less risk of being traced.

Passports and IDs: A second passport, if you have one, or an alternate form of ID can be invaluable if your primary documents are compromised or inaccessible. Consider including a fake ID if it suits your needs – just be aware of the legal implications.

Mobile Phone and SIM Cards: A basic, burner phone and a few international SIM cards can keep you connected without exposing your primary device to tracking. Ensure it’s a model that can work globally.

Basic Survival Gear: A compact multi-tool, a fire starter, water purification tablets, and a small flashlight can make a big difference if you find yourself off the grid. This isn’t about wilderness survival but having the tools to navigate urban environments and unexpected detours.

Clothing Essentials: A set of plain, unmarked clothing that blends in anywhere – think a neutral-colored shirt, pants, and a lightweight jacket. Include a hat and sunglasses to help with low-profile movement.

Local and International Maps: In case digital navigation fails, having a basic understanding of your surroundings is crucial. Include both local city maps and larger-scale maps for any regions you might need to traverse.

Bug-Out Keys: The keys to secondary vehicles and safe houses that are not normally in your possession for security purposes.

Hygiene Kit: A small kit with travel-sized essentials – soap, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and deodorant – can help maintain your cover and comfort when you’re on the move.

Self-Defense Items: Depending on local laws, this could include a tactical pen, pepper spray, or even a small, concealed blade. The goal is to have something discreet yet effective if you need to defend yourself.

Encrypted USB Drive: Store copies of essential documents, sensitive information, and emergency contacts. Make sure it’s encrypted to protect the contents in case of loss or theft.

Small First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and painkillers. It won’t cover major injuries, but it will help you deal with minor wounds on the go.

Emergency Contact List: A small, encrypted notebook with important contacts, including lawyers, trusted allies, and emergency services in key locations.

    Disadvantages

    While a bank safe deposit box offers a secure and discreet location for your go-bag kit, it comes with significant drawbacks. The most glaring issue is limited access – banks are only open during business hours, and if a crisis occurs outside of these times, on a holiday, or during a major SHTF event, you might find yourself unable to retrieve your kit when you need it most.

    In extreme scenarios where banks shut down entirely, whether due to economic collapse, natural disaster, or martial law, your carefully prepared kit could be locked away, out of reach, when every second counts. This reliance on external access makes it less ideal as your primary emergency option, highlighting the importance of also maintaining a more accessible go-bag.

    Accessibility and Rotation

    Given that a bank’s access hours are limited, consider how frequently you might need to rotate or check the contents. Keep your kit up to date with current IDs, valid prepaid cards, and functional tech. Make sure you can access the box swiftly in a crisis, and remember that this is a fallback option – your primary go-bag should be easily accessible at home or on your person.

    Legal Considerations

    While the items in this kit are generally legal, consider the local laws and regulations where your box is stored. Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on carrying large sums of cash, certain self-defense items (firearms), or even the use of prepaid debit cards. It’s crucial to understand the legal landscape and ensure that your kit won’t land you in more trouble than it helps you avoid.

    In a high-stakes situation, whether you’re an operative on the run or just someone looking to prepare for the unexpected, a safe deposit box go-bag is a smart, strategic move. It offers a secure, low-profile way to stash the essentials you might need to survive, escape, and thrive. When life’s circumstances take a sudden turn, having this kit ready and waiting could make all the difference.

    [INTEL : “Digital Go-Bag” Kit Concept]

    [OPTICS : Zurich, Switzerland]