what are some good things to put in a backpack?

Submitted by Dogmantra in just_post

context: I just got a new backpack to replace a messenger bag and am kitting it out with some stuff that might come in useful, I have pens, tissues, painkillers, plasters, plastic shopping bag, light raincoat. I am soliciting recommendations for small things that might improve my life

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neku wrote (edited )

hmm maybe portable recharging pack. chapstick/moisturiser/sunscreen. if you take antidepressants or other medications every day it might be handy to have a day's worth just in case. face masks. some paper to write on. a little comb. maybe tweezers or some other swiss army knife type tool can be helpful to have around.

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Dogmantra OP wrote

ooh yeah lots of good shouts here! I should have mentioned I do already carry a lil multitool with me all the time so don't need one in the ol backy pack

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flabberghaster wrote

I carry a couple extra n95 masks in mine, a charger for my phone, and a few water bottles.

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Dogmantra OP wrote

do you have a good water bottle rec or do you go with just regular plastic/reusable steel ones?

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flabberghaster wrote

I'm a bad person

I just buy a smart water and reuse the platic bottle until it's gross enough that I replace it. I also need a proper water bottle

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twovests wrote

Leatherman makes the good swiss army knives and I keep getting use of it. Adds weight but doesn't take much volume!

I also keep art wire and floss with me, which have come in useful (wire) in highschool for picking poorly made doorlocks and (floss) for flossing.

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Dogmantra OP wrote

I have a gerber dime which I carry around as a regular multitool, uk knife laws mean most leathermans with blades are off the table, and I did want a blade so I got one with a teeny little blade. Floss is definitely a good idea!

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twovests wrote

Woah, I went over two decades of life and never learned you can't carry knives in the UK. (But you probably don't need to jerry rig public accommodations on a semiregular basis either hehe)

For dental purposes, I also pack miswack sticks into my go-bag instead of toothbrushes. (My thinking is "floss gets you 50% of the way there but I would also like to brush".)

The idea is that you cut the bark at the end and chew on it for dental hygiene. When the end gets dirty, you can just cut off the half inch and get a fresh half inch.

But they're plastic shrink-wrapped, cheap, and you can also use them with toothpaste if you want.

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Dogmantra OP wrote

you are allowed to carry knives in the uk but you either need to have a "good reason" to be carrying, e.g. you're a chef travelling to or from work, or for everyday carry purposes they need to have a blade less than 3", fold, and have no locking mechanism.

the government is very gung-ho about knife crime, which is admittedly a problem but they are so showy about it - they're banning "ninja swords" now which have been used in approximately zero crimes

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oolong wrote (edited )

small bottle of hand sanitiser or wet wipes, microfiber cloth, bobby pins, hair ties or rubber bands, compact mirror, tiny sewing kit like the hotel amenity size ones, hard candy if you're confident ants won't attack your bag. i like multifunction pens with mechanical pencils in them. tampons or pads if you use them?

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Dogmantra OP wrote

I have added hand sanitiser and wetwipes, I do not need bobby pins or hair ties on account of shaving my head :P

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devtesla wrote

You should carry around a stuffed animal so you just always have a friend with you. Also glasses cleaner.

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Dogmantra OP wrote

yes I actually do need to come up with a cuddle companion to live in this bag. My previous bag has Smallbird who is a small bird and has a PhD.

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hollyhoppet wrote

a book! also some bandages

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Dogmantra OP wrote

I have plasters, I would hope that if bandages are necessary that perhaps an ambulance will be called!

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oneviolence wrote (edited )

In my shoulder bag i carry with me everywhere i have the following:

  • Raincoat
  • Umbrella
  • Tissues
  • First aid kit (painkillers, plasters, gauze, anti-histamines, etc.)
  • Power bank (x2),
  • USB-C, Lightning Jack, and Micro USB adapters
  • Shopping bag
  • Emergency sewing kit (needles, safety pins, and dental floss for thread)
  • Pads and Tampons
  • Glue
  • Ducttape
  • Zip ties
  • Pen
  • Permanent Marker
  • Snacks (1 salty, 1 sweet)
  • Sunscreen
  • Multitool
  • Hairties
  • Antidote kit (Danish equivalent of Narcan)
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iya wrote (edited )

Definitely not leather cleaner. My bag smells heavily of chemicals now

At least it’s clean ? ? I guess

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nomorepie wrote

Everything I thought to mention has been written, plus some extra, good post. Oh I also carry a bottle opener and small cutlery

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