Sometimes packing and unpacking is a chore. More so when you pack the same things over and over again. So it might just be time for you to pack the bag, that you’re never going to unpack again. You might have heard this bag referred to as a ‘go-bag’ or a ‘bug-out’ bag. It is the bag that is always ready when you are, and never needs anything adding – unless you run out.
Typically you will hear about these bags in crime dramas or disaster response teams. But that should be reason enough for you to get one too.
If you travel a lot or like to be prepared for anything then here is a list of items that you should have in your bag. Before you start packing stuff, you should look at lightweight suitcases to find the one that matches what you need.
Electronics
You know when you are getting ready for your holiday or work trip, and you spend ages looking for laptop chargers, wires, headphones, portable charges… Well, it is time to double up. Once you have everything in the bag already, you won’t need to take it back out until you hit the hotel room. Which is where you will charge everything that needs charge – like the portable charger, for example.
Here are the must-haves:
- 2 cables for your phone
- 2 cables for your tablet (if it is different to your phone’s wires)
- Power bank with multiple charge options
- Travel adaptor
- Camera battery
- Memory card
- Thumb drive
- Headphones
Put the wires into a ziplock bag so that they don’t get tangled, and put them in a designated pocket too.
Clothes
A capsule wardrobe is going to do wonders here. Think about how much people usually pack for a week-long holiday – half their wardrobe, and they just don’t wear it. So think logically – what do you need?
- Socks
- Underwear
- 2 or 3 White or Black T-shirts
- Linen shirt
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Rain mac
- You can even put in some sneakers if you want. Keep it light.
Toiletries
Luckily most hotels will have what you need or can have them sent up to your room. But to avoid that issue, buy a range of things that are only for the go-bag.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hairbrush
- Gel or styling products
- Hairbands or hairpins
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Moisturizer
Whatever you use, make a note in your phone and set a reminder so that you can refill it and put it back when you get home.
Snacks
There are some moments where you need to have something to eat quickly. Waiting in lines, delays, or you don’t have cash at the cash-only vendor. Packing a few protein or granola bars will tide you over until you can get somewhere to eat.
Water
Rather than pack bottles water, keep an empty reusable water bottle in your bag. You can fill it up pretty much anywhere and pour out what you don’t finish before the bag returns to its storage position.
Extras
You never know what extras you might need. So here are a couple of extra items that will make your life easier too:
- Small towel
- Hat or headscarf
- Nail clippers
- Aftershave or perfume
Cabin Never Unpack
Once you have your main luggage sorted, you might be ready to get your cabin luggage in good order too. Of course, you aren’t going to want to leave your passport in there full time, but there are some other things that will come in very useful.
- More cables and adaptors. Again put these in a ziplock and leave them in the back pockets.
- A travel pre-paid card. Try to get one that doesn’t have a set currency, and keep some money on it.
- Spare keys – for your home, but don’t label them
- Earbud headphones, they take up less room than full-size ones
- Socks
- Underwear (if you have even been grossly delayed and separated from your main luggage this is a lifesaver).
- Emergency contact list – your next of kin and any allergies should be written on it.
Once you have your bags arrange, the most you’ll need to put in them is your laptop, camera, and your passport and be on your way. Meaning you can book a flight any time of day and head straight to the airport without a care in the world. It is ideal for frequent travelers and people who are notorious for packing too much or not enough. Another bonus is, is generally saves money too. People buy cables, adaptors, more clothing, a camera memory cards often because they have forgotten their own.
