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Original poster

Tell me about your travel/commuting must-haves

32 replies

MarryingMrDarcy · 29/12/2023 18:27

I’ll be travelling more for work in 2024 and want to upgrade my commuting/travel bits. I’m planning to buy a new work backpack, water bottle, decent lunchbox, and also want a slim makeup bag for the essentials, so these recommendations are particularly welcome, but am keen to hear about any item/product you would recommend if you are on the road/rails/in the air a lot!

OP posts:
RiceR1ceBaby · 29/12/2023 18:33

I would recommmed a circular and co cup, I travel by rail a lot for work and use mine all the time. Main benefit is that you can make a tea in it, drink on the train, then stick it in your backpack because it doesn’t leak and it’s relatively compact. Can then rinse and use it as a waterbottle during the day (or for more tea/coffee). Downsides: they don’t keep things hot for ages (not a thermos) and it’s not a huge capacity (but I like that as it saves on backpack space).

also I love my mat and Nat work backpack. Stylish, very comfy and spacious.

and always always have a good set of headphones/earbuds with you. People on trains can be so inconsiderate, there’s always one person having a loud call on speakerphone or watching TikTok videos on loud. Easier to drown them out then get enraged all the time.

Britpopbaby · 29/12/2023 18:42

You could try the Roka lucky dip for a bag ( there is a thread on here) I would say hand sanitizer and if you need the loo on the train some loo roll.

dumpling123 · 29/12/2023 20:01

I have a contigo Byron travel mug. Love it as it's easy to use and doesn't leak

decemberwasshit · 29/12/2023 20:05

A power bank or charger for your phone in case of long delays.

persisted · 29/12/2023 20:26

Waterproof hat - I never have a free hand for an umbrella, I forget to pick it up, it's a pain in crowded areas. Nice hat keeps the rain off hair/glasses, easy to pop into bag/pocket when not needed.
Tissues/wet wipes for when you spill coffee all.over yourself/everything (just me?!)
Big scarf, I often find air con is freezing, so even if warm outside nice to have extra layer. Also good if your trying to sleep.

I have an emergency kit bag that's kept in the car. Think about things that will make life a bit easier if you get stuck on the motorway in traffic or break down. For me it's high vis, torch, book to read, foil blanket, some snacks. Gets ramped up if there's significant weather.

PurpleWhirple · 29/12/2023 22:27

Seconding the recommendation for good noise cancelling headphones. I travel from the NW to london regularly and often have my headphones on the entire way. They get quite hot but I love not having to hear other people. Especially on the tube.

PurpleWhirple · 29/12/2023 22:28

Bose ones are great. Pricy but I consider them an investment.

turkeyboots · 29/12/2023 22:31

Kindle, headphones, portable charger pack thing.
If in public transport don't get a nice black bag or suitcase. It will blend in with all the other nice black things. My work travel case is purple and my work bag orange. Everyone at work knows they are mine and they are easy to spot on a train rack or hotel bag store.

OutYerEd · 29/12/2023 22:38

A good rucksack. I don’t go in for fancy, stylish ones. I like a good, practical one with comfortable straps, the right compartments , machine washable and dries quickly (mine is large, black and by Puma. I bloody love it!).

My rucksack has a pocket on each side - for water bottle and umbrella.

I always have a make up bag with basics + another slim cosmetics case that I keep paracetamol, hand cream, spare contact lenses, tampax, mini perfume, gum and other little odds and sods in.

Headphones, a book or my Kindle and sunglasses.

Lunch box or bag.

GrumpyOldCrone · 29/12/2023 22:44

A small purse in which I keep paracetamol, antihistamines, imodium, and toothpicks.

Mirrormeback · 29/12/2023 22:47

Britpopbaby · 29/12/2023 18:42

You could try the Roka lucky dip for a bag ( there is a thread on here) I would say hand sanitizer and if you need the loo on the train some loo roll.

Do not waste your money on the bloody ROKA lucky dip they are sending out mainly smaller items.

Save your money on something a decent size and in a colour you actually like

ShangPie · 29/12/2023 22:54

Great suggestions from PPs, especially the headphones, power bank and scarf.

My tip would be to have a permanent travel bag of duplicate makeup and toiletries on the go, rather than constantly having to pack and unpack from your bathroom. Bonus if you can get small / travel size formats

Also, check what you can leave in your desk / locker at work - you may want to keep a small overnight bag in your desk drawer rather than lug stuff cross country.

For flights and multi-day work trips, there is a whole rabbit hole of packing tips to fall into, but maybe that can be phase two!

fuulia · 29/12/2023 23:04

I'd recommend having gloves and socks / tights spare in your bag for those days you get soaking wet feet (most days in Cornwall).

FindingMeno · 29/12/2023 23:30

A good size scarf ( not woolly or floaty, but cotton or similar) is my must-have because of multiple uses.
A plastic bag ( or made for purpose bag) for a wet brolly.

Flibbertigibbettytoes · 29/12/2023 23:44

Stubble & co and Beis are good for bags but the real indispensables for me are a didrikson coat and noise cancelling headphones.
Also, getting running shoes in black so they can double up functions while away, if necessary.

bingohandjob · 30/12/2023 00:15

Some items I use consistently for walking commute/overnight work trips/short trips away:

  • Waterproof backpack (eg Rains) and lighter weight summer one
  • MyKitCo travel makeup bag - I find it really helpful to have see through make up bag. I carry handsan spray, wet wipes, mask, mini pill box with painkillers/antacids/diarrhoea tablets etc in case of emergencies, tissues, favourite lipstick, hotel sewing kit, safety pins, compact hairbrush and mirror. I've got a few sizes but day to day use something similar to this https://www.mykitco.uk/collections/classic-bags/products/my-small-canvas-pouch
  • Platypus water bottle (rolls up)
  • KeepCup
  • Eagle Creek compression packing cubes for overnight/weekend travel
  • Decent bluetooth earbuds but I take full Sony noise cancelling headphones for longer train or any plane journeys, they make a HUGE difference to being able to switch off when solo travelling even if you just use the noise cancelling option! I often wear them like this if solo if having a coffee etc too as gets you left in peace
  • Decent power bank, decent length charging cable for whatever kit you need
  • I've got a set of GoTubb Human Gear reusable tubs/tubes and decant my toiletries into them - they are really good for all kinds of stuff! I tend to squirrel away travel size/gift with purchase style make-up/toiletry items for travel
  • Ear plugs/eye mask if away overnight
  • I always have a few plastic bags (robust sandwich bags that seal up) in my overnight/holiday bag too - they come in handy for so many things. Still wet swimsuit. If you do want to bring something home that's a bit stinky if the packaging rips (yes, I brought a lump of parmesan home from Italy recently).
  • I just started using a Pop Socket on my phone - was great on a recent flight to stand my phone up to watch some Netflix to pass the time on a very delayed flight (I've used my sunglasses case in the past as my phone sits nicely in it when open as a stand)
  • Folding tote bag
  • big, comfy scarf - if going to colder place wool, if warm, I will take a cotton/linen Turkish towel style one and it'll double up as all kinds of things on holiday (lie/sit on, towel, shade, sarong/cover up)

Just a few little bits can make a huge difference to being comfortable and enjoying your overnighters!

MY SMALL CANVAS POUCH™ - MYKITCO.™

MY SMALL CANVAS POUCH™ | MYKITCO.™

MY SMALL CANVAS POUCH™ helps you to organise your kit perfectly. The rectangular shape helps you stack and store, whilst the clear PVC window lets you see exactly what you have inside.

https://www.mykitco.uk/collections/classic-bags/products/my-small-canvas-pouch

Mirrormeback · 30/12/2023 00:50

In my work backpack I have a small pouch zip bag with chargers, headphones and powerbank

I have a make up bag

I have a another small zipper pouch with all my stationary in it

I have spare knickers, an umbrella, pac a Mac, I use 2 westloop Contigo for coffee and I have a water bottle

I have a couple of foldable reusable bags too for any shopping

In the front zipper part of my backpack I have basic medication and dressings and hand gel

Mirrormeback · 30/12/2023 00:54

When I say

I have a another small zipper pouch with all my stationary in it

What I actually mean is an actual pencil case DD used in primary school. It's a bright colourful Smiggle one so I can find it

All my pouches / pencil case / make up bag are different bright colours so I can find them easily in the blackness of my bag

Porridgeislife · 30/12/2023 05:37

A cross body handbag for essentials and a separate backpack. Much easier reaching into a handbag for phone/credit cards/AirPods etc than taking off your rucksack.

Porridgeislife · 30/12/2023 05:44

Also think about what you actually need. I don’t need multiple pens, a coffee cup or a notebook. You don’t need a whole packet of paracetamol or a whole box of tampons in your emergency supplies, a few cut off the strip will do.

On any given day I commute with a laptop, spare charger, phone charger, headset, AirPods, two phones, tiny umbrella, a single pen, fold up shopping bag, Chilly drink bottle and a small pencil case with personal essentials. My bag is only 12L and fits a lunchbox as well if I want to. Obviously this doesn’t work for overnight but I don’t see the point of carrying loads of stuff to/from the office.

WhereAreWeNow · 30/12/2023 08:27

Noise cancelling headphones, a book, an umbrella, a very pared down mini make up bag, and a cross body bag with an easy to access front pocket so I can always find my travel card quickly.

Original poster
MarryingMrDarcy · 30/12/2023 09:08

Thank you all for the excellent suggestions! I think noise cancelling headphones have just gone to the top of the shopping list…

I also like the idea of smaller pouches being brightly coloured so you can find them in a dark bag, I am forever scrabbling about in my bag trying to find things and it’s partly because of this that I want 2024 to be the year I finally properly organise my work kit.

For those that use rucksacks - can anyone recommend one with decent compartments? I used Kankens a few years back and they are comfy but I got rid because I want a rucksack which has different sections for laptop/tablet, personal bits, lunch etc.

OP posts:
Phineyj · 30/12/2023 09:14

I'm a train commuter (secondary teacher - I need all sorts of shizzle from pens to drinks to marking and a laptop) and have got a Proviz backpack I'm very happy with. It's really for cyclists but it doesn't look particularly sporty so fits in everywhere. It's reflective so a good deterrent to motorists/kids on rental e-scooters trying to run me down on crossings.

Only issue has been the waist snap buckles easily break if you tread on them. But I was able to buy cheap spares. It's also not totally waterproof - rain resistant I'd say.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 30/12/2023 09:16

Good thermal mug that doesn't leak (mine's Contigo)
Good water bottle that doesn't leak (Kleen Kanteen)
Good laptop bag that is comfortable to carry (Osprey)
Coat/jacket that is warm, waterproof and smart (I wear a Barbour waxed jacket)
Ditto shoes/boots (Solovair)
Overnight bag with laptop slot (if you go away overnight) (Eastpak)
Headphones and power bank of your choice