How much stuff do you carry around daily just to cope with weather, other people, hygiene etc.?
I got annoyed recently when I wanted to leave the house and noticed my bag was half full just with stuff to deal with weather. In Tokyo, I usually carry an umbrella with me, maybe sunscreen, sunglasses, a mini towel etc. Others have fans, "neck fans" (not sure how they are called). Maybe a water bottle also counts.
All of this is "weather stuff" for me. I asked a friend what she carries around, and we started to think about some other categories as well. So I wondered how much of the stuff we carry around is actually about the thing we want to do wherever we go, and how much is just to cope with the environment? Also, I would be curious how this looks like in other places around the world. Things probably vary by gender, age, season as well.
Some categories are:
weather stuff
personal hygiene stuff
safety stuff
not being annoyed by others stuff
infrastructure fail stuff (e.g., preparing for when trains get delayed)
As an American who drives a truck, this is moot. I have a full set of clothes, winter outer wear, a jug of water, a canister of peanuts, a blanket, a shovel, trauma sheers, a leatherman, a sun hat, to walking poles, a Midwest level scraper/brush, an air pump for my tires that plugs into the lighter, full spare, spark plugs, an extendable magnet, 10k lumen light that plugs into the cigarette lighter to charge if need be, tweezers, nail clipper, eyeglass repair, a paper book of maps for all 50 states, and a spare toothbrush.
Probably forgot some things. My truck is essentially my purse.
Lol, it’s not a dodge RAM. To be fair, I travel for work sometimes. And I do haul in my truck, complete with added trailer which is a piece of rural living. I’ve never rolled coal or gunned it on a residential street.
As little as possible. The only things I always take with me are my phone and my keys. I generally look at the weather report and only take an umbrella with me if there's a chance of rain. I only take my wallet if I'm going somewhere where I might buy something etc.
Spectacles, testicles, wallet, and watch. Well, and a pocket knife. But that's likely because I drive everywhere, and am currently in America.
To chime in, when I spent a few months in Osaka, I definitely carried more. Backpack, hand towel, change holder, plastic trashbag, pen, paper, deodorant (as to not offend Japanese folk, being a Westerner not used to the humidity), etc.
I guess it's local, it only became so apparent to me some time after moving to Japan. It's also interesting how the types of things to prepare for change. In Japan, I think it's mostly about weather. No need for safety measures, food and drinks everywhere and cheap, clean and reliable infrastructure (toilets, trains, everything, basically). People are also mindful about the noise they make, so even earplugs are not necessary.
In Germany it's different. Weather is not so much of a concern, but I used to carry a basic pack of stuff with me in case I crashed at a friend's place. This doesn't happen here very often, and cheap hotels or manga cafes often have basics like toothbrushes etc.
In Japan, I think it's mostly about weather. No need for safety measures, food and drinks everywhere and cheap, clean and reliable infrastructure (toilets, trains, everything, basically). People are also mindful about the noise they make, so even earplugs are not necessary.
Things like this make me really want to move to Japan. But then some basic things like not being able to carry a pocket knife turn me off of the idea.
Personal hygiene is one big reason for me, though obviously there are smaller options than a full multitool like a small Swiss army knife. I just need a small pair of scissors on me 24/7, that's not negotiable.
Having a basic screwdriver always with me also helps from time to time. Sometimes as a screwdriver, sometimes as a small crowbar.
Ironically, the first thing I would ditch from my multitools and Swiss army knives would be the blade. Scissors do most things I need just as well or better, and the blade is just a liability in lots of jurisdictions.
I rarely actually use them, but I was a Boy Scout so I like to be prepared, just in case. The screwdrivers on both and wrenches on the wallet one come in handy more often than anything, but I also have scissors and a knife on the keychain one.
It really depends on mode of transportation, especially if a car is involved or not. I suspect a number of people in this thread are folks who drive most/all places and aren't including all the stuff they have stashed in their cars, available if needed. Also, driving means minimal exposure to the elements, so even less stuff is needed to stay comfortable/presentable than if you are walking, biking, waiting at transit stations, etc.
As a former Tokyo resident I'll also add that I used to carry a folding fan around with me in summer when I lived there, but I have no need in the US where air conditioning is so prevalent (to the point of overuse). I also stopped needing a fan so much, regardless of temperature, when living in less humid places.
Also, shocked more people aren't mentioning a water bottle. I bring a reusable water bottle with me any time I have to leave the house for more than a couple of hours, especially if I'm cycling somewhere but even if I'm driving. How are y'all staying hydrated sans water bottle???
None. The secret to dealing with other people is to live somewhere where there really aren't other people around.
infrastructure fail stuff
Living remotely induces one to already have solutions in place. I pump my own water from a ground spring. No water bill to speak of. Electricity is always at risk of outage, so I run a generator regularly, and with lots of battery fail-over devices.
If something happened out in clown town that caused a national grid failure, I would just assume it's just another outage from trees getting pruned by mother nature.
For weather pretty much nothing. If I need sunscreen I'll put it on beforehand. I rarely carry an umbrella even if there's a chance for rain. But I do carry a bunch of stuff for "daily emergencies" like water, pen and paper, wet wipes etc. just because I usually have a backpack and they don't take up much space.
I always carry a water bottle with me, no matter what the situation.
In a daily outing bag, I also always carry bandages, Vaseline, nail clippers, pepper spray, phone, glasses cleaning cloth, a portable charging bank/handwarmer, and a small stuffed animal (for emotional support).
I should start carrying sunscreen, but I 100% always spill things in my bag— be it ink, drink, or anything else.
For anyone reading this: purchase an Owala water bottle!! I don't recommend brands often, but as someone who used to be chronically dehydrated AND always spilling shit: get an Owala. It has a lid that opens with a button push, a very good carrying handle that doubles as a button-guard when down, an easy to clean lid with removable/replaceable parts, and you can choose between swigging it or sipping it up without a straw!! I hate putting my mouth on straws, so that was a great option (even though I only swig lol— but the straw is inside the waterbottle). I've had mine for 2 to 3 years now, and apparently they're popular now. Seriously, 100% recommend them. Only real downside is they are a bit too large for some cupholders and they can't hold hot liquids, but that's it.
Since I'm in the US where public transportation is next to nonexistent outside of maybe 5 cities, I (and the overwhelming majority of Americans) are cheating since we can EDC a hell of a lot of things in our cars. My pockets have 3-4 items max, but I consider my vehicle my home away from home, and if I'm away from home more than a night I pack her to the gills.
Swede living in a suburb to Stockholm, 36 year old man, living alone.
Weather stuff:
I put an unbrella in my backpack during autumn, I wear a hat during winter.
I have sunglasses in my car and my new pair in my backpack, I wear regular glasses all the time.
If it is really hot I carry an insulated water bottle, on special occations I have carried a thermos flask with hot mulled wine (glögg) when it is around christmas, very cold and I won't be driving.
Personal hygene:
Nothing really, well I have some paper towels in my car for emergency nature calls in the woods...
Safety stuff, nothing really, if I am going for a long trip, I will get some supplies, gloves, band aids, dressings, disinfectant, stuff like that.
Oh, as a bit of a planespotter, I allways have ear defenders in my car, as well as a big pack of extra ear plugs for any friend going with me who forgot their own hearing protection.
Annoyance filter, during autumn, winter and spring I allways carry my Bose QC35 II, suring summer I switch to some IEMs, currently using my Jabra Elite 3. I allways have my iPhone with me as well.
Infra fail stuff:
I carry my work phone to advice my work about delays, else my phone has all apps I need, finally I have biked from the suburbs to the center of Stockholm and back again, so I know my way around, should all public transport fail and I can't get a taxi, I would just start walking.
It would probably take 3-4h to get home, but I'd get there
Most of the stuff I carry have already been mentioned so I’ll just add the ones not a lot of people carry:
hand sanitizer
a small travel vial of liquid soap
a couple of squares of toilet paper rolled up
All of those including the standard phone, keys, wallet, etc. all fit in a small handbag that I wear across my chest.
Sometimes if I know I’ll be out in hot weather, I bring water in an insulated container. I also have a small bag that specifically has a pocket for water bottles.
I'm a very simple person and if there's rain I get wet and I don't really care about it. Not saying everyone is resistant to colder climates like me, I can appreciate that my immune system probably gives me an advantage.
I have a "mom" sized pocketbook that I carry around and it always has the following:
Band aids, nail clipper, and aquaphor tube
Eye drops
Wallet, phone, keys
Masks
Earbuds
Hand sanitizer
Sunglasses
Small fidget toy
Folding hairbrush
Hair ties
Small sunscreen stick, chapstick
Pen
Set of plastic cutlery
Pill case with some commonly needed pills like Tylenol, Claritin, etc
If it's sunny I'll bring a sun umbrella and a hat, both of which can fit in the bag in a pinch. If it's raining, just the umbrella. It's not a perfect system but some things (especially the band aids and fidget) come in handy pretty often
I hate being without stuff I need, so I always carry around a backpack. I just always keep stuff in it so I don't forget it. At the moment the core kit is:
At least 1L of water, usually 2L+.
Hand sanitiser for the inevitable moment the public washroom is out of soap.
Re-usable shopping bags in case I buy something.
An energy bar or two in case I have to stay at work late.
Nail clippers (having a broken nail at work sucks).
Band-aids.
A mask in case anywhere requires it, but this one has definitely seen less use over time.
Deodorant, because sometimes I forget to apply it before I leave in the morning...
Hand lotion for winter when my hands crack.
And finally, a charging cable for my phone.
If it's likely to rain and I'll be outside longer than 15m I will add an umbrella to the mix.
Keys (house, car, bike), phone, wallet,.. swiss army knife, handkerchief.
And during the pandemic a fabric face mask.
It all fits in my pockets
Then dependent on the weather I will bring sunglasses or an umbrella.
I check Buienradar (Dutch rain forecast app) to see whether I'm going to need that.
And sometimes, depending on what I will be doing, earbuds
Looking at the majority of the replies I see some meme potential (no offense):
Dude irl: "I only carry the minimal"
Dude in games: "This is my 5000 ton backpack with 50 health potions, a bunch of plant leaves, 2 axes, 3 bows, 4 swords (1 of them cursed), a few scrolls and runestones; some bread, cheese, milk, apples, glasses of beer; and a map"
Southern Americans: wallet, keys, phone, trauma kit, Kevlar vest, hunting knife to defend compact pistol being stolen, compact pistol on weak side to fight to my full sized pistol on my strong side, daily-carry rifle in backpack to fight to my truck, in the truck, short, medium, and long range rifles, plate carrier and helmet, and assorted machine guns and explosives to fight to my tank. Once I'm in my tank, I'm ready to leave my driveway and head to my fighter jet.
Not sure where you live, but weather differs around this big bol we're on. Days with 38°C during lunch break and massive rain during evening commute are not uncommon in Tokyo
When I still commuted for work (western 23-ku initially and later out towards okutama), I had a portable wifi, power bank, water, a protein bar or two, a book, sunglasses, folding umbrella, sunscreen, noise-canceling earphones, and ibuprofen in my bag (in addition to work stuff or whatever for that daily activity). Being stuck on a train that loses power makes one prepare.
Now, I love in the inaka and work from home. I really should throw some water and calorie mate in the car, though, as I think about it.
Depends on where I'm going, the vast majority of times it's just the basics, key, phone, maybe wallet.
If I'm going to be on my own for a significant period of time, e.g. taking the bus, I'll bring my earphones. My backpack always has a power bank in it, so if I'm going anywhere that needs a backpack or when I'll be away from home for the majority of the day I can ensure I'll have battery until I get back.
If I'm going to be walking a lot I always bring my an insulated bottle of cold water on my backpack.
If it's winter I'll be wearing my jacket which is waterproof so I'm covered in case, in summer I usually don't bother with it now (before I was living in Dublin and would just go out with my jacket on summer, it's not like it was hot anyways).
I think that's it for my EDC. I do have a bunch of specific stuff for travel, but I think that's beyond the scope here.
Edit: forgot to mention, my backpack also has a pocket with paracetamol and mints, and has a hand sanitizer clipped to it.
My musts for going to work, which is about the only place I go really...
-Earbuds
-contact lens case
-glasses in case my contacts have an issue
-eyedrops
-blood glucose meter (am diabetic)
-spare AM medication dose in case I forgot
-gum
-umbrella
-water bottle
I usually have all this in a backpack. Sometimes I'll have my switch with me, too. Or a book. Depends on my mood.
I don’t have any pockets on most of my outfits, but I have a holster on my left hip that holds my phone, my book reader, my wallet, my keys, and a glasses wipe.
I read a lot. But there’s also Slay the Spire on my phone.
(Also I guess I have bluetooth conductors basically permanently attached to my head so I can have music whenever I want, and a d20 ring on one finger, a wrist watch on a wrist, a pair of glasses to match an outfit, a pendant for the same, a hair tie in my hair, and a meter for a study. This is all automatic stuff though, and I just have this while I’m in my house.)
I have a backpack which I take with me. Umbrella, something to drink, my wallet, keys, tissues, my swiss army knife, a spork, duct tape, deodorant, a reusable shopping bag, a lighter, pens, sometimes a USB power bank and depending on where I go (and how long the train ride is) a laptop or a nice book. And like 10 other small things that accumulate since I last tidied up.
If I'm generally our and about, phone, wallet, keys, phone charging cable, a pen, anything else I need can be acquired as I need it.
It's also functionally ECD is my backpack, mainly because I use it to carry my laptop with me wherever I'm likely to need it, like work, or class, or to carry a bunch of stuff like MtG decks for an MtG event, or clothes if I'm spending a night at a friend's house.
I live in the US and its very car centric here. It's rare that I'm ever more than a few minutes away from a source of water or food, I keep an umbrella in my car, it has AC to keep me cool, if it's chilly out I wear a jacket.
Phone, maybe second phone, some form of iems/earbuds, money, keys, various writing instruments(pens/markers), my film camera, an 8bitdo controller, a folding keyboard/trackpad thing, umbrella, jacket, water bottle, towel, Sometimes a change of clothes, couple tools, pokewalker, and a hair brush/hair ties/bobby pins.
I use a neck fan at work, but I definitely don't need one outside that. I have plenty of emergency stuff in my car, and more in a backpack I sometimes bring (usually to carry a switch or steamdeck, sometimes a laptop).
Same, Ive reached the point where I'm almost always leaving the house with water umbrella sunglasses and towel. I used to be careless and leave with nothing... I feel old now
Keys left pocket. Phone right pocket. Earbuds right pocket. Wallet (debit card and ID really) right leg pocket.
I check the forecast in the summer, if rain during the day then put on jacket. Peak temp 20°C or above use shorts.
In the winter I check temperature. +5 to -15 thin gloves -15 to -30 thick gloves. -30 to -40 carefully consider if I have to go out. -40 or less: take a picture of the thermometer and send it to people in the south to make them feel better about their life choices.