Items That Each Backpack Needs, Ranked by Usefulness
Back to school season means backpacks are on the brain. I think that having a backpack with a reserve is also an adult thing. I rarely leave the house with only my phone, wallet and keys. I’d rather be prepared for more than the minimum when I’m out and about.
Even if you are not a fan of backpacks, there are many things that are overlooked and should be in your purse, briefcase or at least in your car. Here are the smartest items to always have on hand in your backpack (or carrier of choice), organized by need from “must-haves” to “well, who knows.”
Level 1: Essentials
Whether you’re heading out for a hike, a concert, or just commuting to work, keep the following essentials in your backpack:
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- Painkillers (such as ibuprofen)
- Hygiene basics (tampons, wipes)
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra money
- water bottle
- Deodorant
- face mask
Level 2: You will be the lifeguard
In addition to necessity, this level of readiness means that at some point in your life, a friend or stranger will tell you, “You are a lifesaver.”
- Portable charger
- Nail clippers/nail file
- Tweezers
- Chewing gum/mints
- hygienic lipstick
- plasters
- Pen and notepad
- Umbrella
- Reusable grocery bag
- Reusable silverware
- Sunscreen
- Hat (for cold or sun)
- Stain removal stick
- Small roll of tape
- Additional ID
Level 3: “You never know”
This level is for those who like to go higher and further with alacrity and have room in their backpack to do so. You never know when you might find yourself stranded or have to spend the night in an unexpected place. The list goes on and on, but here are some of the most basic items that can fit in a backpack (depending on how many of those items you cram in).
- A change of clothes (or at least socks and underwear)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Swimsuit
- Miniature flashlight (if your phone runs out of power)
- A book, a deck of playing cards, or other entertainment
- rain poncho
- Gloves
- Rubbish bag
- External hard drive
The most controversial item to pack or not pack: your passport. You may need a backup ID, but at the same time you increase the risk of losing it. It’s up to you, depending on where you take your backpack and your tendency to misplace things.