Back-to-school season means backpacks are on the brain. I believe having a stocked backpack is an adult thing to do, too, though. Rarely do I leave the house with nothing but my phone, wallet, and keys. I’d rather be prepared with more than the bare minimum when I’m out and about.
Even if you aren’t pro-backpack, there are many overlooked items that belong in your purse, briefcase, or at least in your car. Here are the cleverest items to always keep on-hand in your backpack (or carrier of choice), organized by necessity from “must-haves” to “well, you never know.”
Tier 1: The bare necessities
Whether you’re packing for a hike, a concert, or simply commuting to work, you should always have the following staples ready and waiting in your pack:
Phone charger
Ear buds
Painkillers (like ibuprofen)
Sanitary basics (tampons, tissues)
Hand sanitizer
Extra cash
Water bottle
Deodorant
Face mask
Tier 2: You’ll be a lifesaver
Beyond the necessities, this tier of preparedness means at one point in your life, a friend or stranger will tell you “you’re a lifesaver.”
Portable charger
Nail clippers/file
Tweezers
Gum/mints
Chapstick
Band-Aids
Pen and pad
Umbrella
Reusable grocery bag
Reusable silverware
Sunscreen
Hat (for the cold or sun)
Stain-removal stick
Small roll of tape
Additional ID
Tier 3: “You never know”
This tier is for those who like to go above-and-beyond with preparedness, and have the room in their pack to do so. You never know when you might get stranded or need to spend the night in an unexpected location. This list could go on and on, but here are some the most basic supplies that could reasonably fit in a backpack (depending on how many of these items you cram in).
Change of clothes (or at least socks and underwear)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Swim suit
Miniature flashlight (if your phone dies)
Book, deck of playing cards, or some other entertainment
Rain poncho
Gloves
Garbage bag
External hard drive
The most divisive item to pack-or-not-pack: Your passport. You might need backup ID, but at the same time, you’ll be increasing the risk of losing it. It’s up to you, depending on where you’re taking your backpack and your tendency to misplace things.