Our highly advanced and technological world thrives in a fast-paced lifestyle. While it’s true that there are still places where you can move at a slower pace, those who strive to survive in busy cities have to go with the flow and make every moment count. This is why we see commuters everywhere trying to beat time, aiming to get to their destination on time. There are commuters who prefer to navigate the streets in buses, others prefer the subway, and there are those who take the cab or ride-sharing apps, and even their bikes and scooters.
But commuting is more than just riding a cab or using the subway to get to your destination. It’s also about getting to your destination safely. It is about how prepared you are for the unexpected, such as heavy traffic, detours, rain, or maybe the immediate need to find a bitcoin ATM nearby. If you know which essentials to bring with you every day, each commute will be a pleasant experience.
There are several essentials that every modern commuter should carry—here’s a list of the most important ones.
Your Smart Gadgets Matter
Technology has provided commuters with a “toolkit” that can help reduce the stress of traveling, including gadgets that you can use to enjoy, stay connected, and even take care of work or school matters when stuck in traffic. These gadgets help make every commute a stress-free (and productive) experience.
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Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch
Aside from tracking your steps, heart rate, and workouts, your wireless earbuds can also keep you in the loop with your meetings. Some smartwatches also allow you to check your email. Most importantly, you’ll receive regular traffic updates and alerts, and you’ll even get walking directions. There are also smartwatches that come with tap-to-pay features.
If you like listening to music while commuting, a good pair of wireless earbuds is perfect for you. Choose the noise-canceling variety with features that allow you to switch from one device to another. Wireless earbuds also allow you to conveniently take calls or call someone when you are mobile.
Power banks are an essential need nowadays, especially when you commute or travel regularly. If you use your phone to pay for goods, monitor emails, or monitor your commute, you wouldn’t want it to die on you in the middle of your ride, won’t you? Find a good quality, high-capacity, fast-charging power bank. Get one that also allows you to charge different devices, such as a tablet or earbuds. Make sure that it’s portable—slim and lightweight so it’s easy to carry around.
If you use your bike or scooter to commute, you’ll need a phone mount so you can track and navigate your ride and make or receive calls hands-free. Some designs come with waterproof casing and an option for wireless charging.
The Right Bag & Other Carry-ons
If you’re one of those commuters who bring around big and bulky standard backpacks, know that you have several other options:
A commuter bag is designed for commuters who carry around a lot of essentials every day. There are multiple compartments—even hidden ones, and those fit for holding your laptop or tablet and charger. This can be a slim, structured backpack with padded shoulder straps. Choose one that’s water-resistant, especially if you commute on a bike or scooter. Structured commuter backpacks can be a bit pricey, but it’s a solid investment for regular commuters.
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Insulated flask or water bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated when commuting. If you’re stuck in traffic, for example, you won’t have to worry about getting thirsty because you have your water bottle with you. Look for an insulated flask that’s best for both keeping your water cold and your coffee (or tea) hot. Make sure it’s leak-proof and lightweight so you can easily carry it around. You might also want to choose one that fits one of the side pockets of your backpacks. Some models come with carabiners, which allows you to clip your water bottle onto your backpack.
It’s always good to have handy tools with you wherever you go. You might need to open a bottle or can, or you might need to open a package. It’s also important to have your keys organized in one location.
- A foldable eco bag or tote bag
There are times when you’ll need to make unplanned stops, such as the grocery, so it’s important to always be prepared. A foldable bag—an eco bag (no to plastic!) or a small and foldable tote bag is ideal because you can tuck them inside one of the pockets or compartments in your structured backpack.
The Right Outfit Matters
Feeling and looking good is essential when you’re commuting—and it has nothing to do with being fashionable. Wearing the right clothes is all about comfort; it’s about still looking (and feeling) good when you get to your destination after an hour or so of traveling. Here are some options you might want to consider:
You don’t need to wear your high heels or leather shoes when commuting. You’ll want to wear something comfortable, like flat sandals, boots, sneakers, or any shoes made of sturdy but comfortable materials. Choose commuter footwear that’s weatherproof, so you won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet when it rains. You might also prefer to find commuter footwear that you can transform into office shoes.
If you want to be prepared for the unexpected, you have to have a raincoat, windbreaker, or trench coat with you at all times. This way, you’ll be ready if rain suddenly pours. Choose a windbreaker or coat that matches your outfit—it can be a matching color, cloth, or style (ex. a trench for your corporate outfit or a windbreaker for your jeans and shirt look). Try to find one that comes with pockets.
Just as you’re prepared for unexpected weather changes, you should also be ready for ever-changing temperatures. It can be chilly when you leave the house but when you come out of the subway, the temperature may have changed. So aside from wearing comfortable and breathable clothing, you should also learn to layer. For example, wear a light coat or sweater over a light-colored breathable, wrinkle-resistant t-shirt. Avoid wearing socks that are too thick, except in winter, of course. You can wear tights or stockings and layer with wool-blend socks when cold weather starts settling in.
Accessorize with purpose. Don’t wear eyeglasses just because you think it’s fashionable. Instead, look for UV-resistant glasses. You can also accessorize with scarves, but choose those with secret pockets. This way, you do not just look good, but you’re also wearing functional accessories.
Your Safety and Security Matter
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be stylish, but it’s important to also consider your safety, especially if you pass by crowded areas or deserted streets, or when you need to travel late at night.
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A pepper spray or safety alarm
You’ll find a lot of pocket-sized pepper sprays in the market as they’re quite popular. You can also get one of those tiny safety alarm buttons. These options are discreet so you can easily keep them inside your pocket or purse.
Whether you’re on a bike or scooter or you prefer to walk to work, you’ll feel safer if your shoes, cap, jacket, bike, or scooter has reflective material. Your reflector does not have to be flashy—as long as they reflect on their own (and do not need headlights shining on them), they’re good.
- RFID protection and digital backups
There are a lot of RFID-equipped backpacks and devices in the market—even wallets now use RFID to block data thieves. Take advantage of this technology and use bags, wallets, and other devices/gear that utilize RFID tech. You can also backup your ID digitally so that even your most sensitive details are safe. Additionally, do not carry big amounts of cash. Use your digital wallet.
These Luxuries are Useful Upgrades
These small luxuries are important.
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Pocket-sized face mist or hand sanitizer
Sanitize after holding stuff in public places. The pandemic has taught us how important this small practice is. Then bring a pocket-sized face mist also so you can freshen up after squeezing yourself and riding on a packed subway train, or after a scooter or bike ride under the sun. Choose face mist and sanitizers that come in refillable bottles or packs. Be sure to choose cool and refreshing scents.
Always have a compact umbrella inside your bag so you won’t have to look for shade when the rain suddenly pours. Make sure you get the right size so the umbrella can fully protect you from the rain.
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Pocket-sized notebook or planner, or small tablet
Always carry around a small notebook or planner that you can use for jotting down notes, reminders, observations, or ideas. You can also use it for your to-do or reminders list. If you have a small tablet, one that you can easily keep inside your bag, then go for it. Make sure that your notebook or planner comes with a pen.
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Foldable toothbrush or breath mints
This one is not for your commute per se, but for post-appointments, dates, and meetings—or for when you have an unexpected meet-up and you don’t have time to go home and change. There are foldable toothbrushes that come in a pack, complete with a small tube of toothpaste. If carrying around a toothbrush is inconvenient for you, then bring along packs of breath mints wherever you go.
Conclusion: Personalized Commuter Kit Works Best
Image by wal_172619 on Pixabay
Commuting and getting to your destination becomes a convenient and pleasant experience when you are prepared for whatever may come. Using the right backpack, commuter-friendly footwear, wearing a comfortable (but fashionable) outfit, and bringing all the smart devices and tools you might need will create a huge and positive impact on your commute. Each trip and every stop will become an experience to remember—not a memory to forget.
Being a prepared commuter means giving importance to your safety and going through the day full of confidence, efficiency, determination, and style.
Personalize your commuter kit according to your preferences or based on what you need. Choose only those that will be useful to you—especially the ones that can help keep you safe and those that can contribute to a pleasant commuter experience. A good commute will get you to your destination safely, on time, refreshed, ready, and in style.