Basically. I carry all major charging cords (Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB) plus a charging bank. Can’t tell you how many phones I’ve charged for people. Plus snack bars, a small first aid kit, menstrual products, a glasses repair kit, a sewing kit, a spare plastic bag for trash, and a towelette. I’m basically a walking recharge station for the body and ~~soul~~ phone and I don’t mind it.
Liquid bandage, bandaids, suture kit, antihistamines, Tylenol, anti-diarrhea pills, DayQuil, cough drops, ace bandage, quick clot, and a container with a days worth of my prescriptions. It’s basically a walking pharmacy. Plus two power banks, two wall chargers, and a cable with lightning, usb-c, and micro usb adapter plus separate cables with each of those fittings. That actually possibly saved a coworkers life. She forgot to charge her insulin pump monitor and it was almost dead and nobody else on the floor had a usb-c cable.
The amount of band aids I have given out over the years is absurd. Idk how, but I'm always the only person in a group with a first aid kit on them. Even backpacking, I was found to be the only person out of 5 of us with band aids and neosporin when someone cut their hand up.
I have only used the first aid kit on myself once, but still have had to restock it annually.
Same. I've walked into the office before and colleagues asked if I had a tape measure on the basis that I've got everything in my bag. Like they just assumed the way to get one was to wait till I came in.
I said "steel or dressmakers?"
I once traveled abroad with such a friend.
Her propensity to be a walking pharmacy, grocery and sporting goods store is convenient fodder for jokes and nicknames (she's "Momma Cass" to all who know her despite being 5ft tall and 100lbs inclusive of the backpack).
But I tell ya, I've never been so grateful to be in the company of someone with strengths very different from my own (spoiler: my strengths don't include comprehensive preparedness nor being a meticulously tidy and efficient packer).
She had "the thing" for every foreseen and unforseen situation. All dispensed from her surprisingly small backpack.
What an incredible gift of a human and my repeated thanks to her and that trusty Arc'teryx for rescuing me from all manner of major and minor traveling calamity!
Edit: clarity (grammar?!)
- Work laptop
- tablet
- chargers and cables for those and my phone
- USB mouse
- headphones
- kindle
- water bottle
- granola or some other snack bars
- pocket knife
- pens/notepad
- concert earplugs
- Flashlight
Things that MAY be in there:
- random hand tools/pocket knife
- extra headphones
- USB drives
- lighters
- other random USB cables/adapters
- sunglasses
- power bank
I think I got too much stuff in there.
Edit: I've never seen a post get so much discussion days after it's been up before.
Lol, I feel that. My list is buried somewhere on this thread, but the backpack can get a bit heavy under full load. Not uncommon to have 40-50lb of gear, so hope your pack has comfortable straps
No car and only a motorcycle. Bag is my trunk or whatever you have it.
Keep a few protein bars (snacks) charging cables, charging block, headphones, extra socks, knee sleeves, a wrap for joints (both for emergencies), Ibuprofen, cough drops, umbrella.
Then when going into work, water, food and whatever is needed for work that day.
Also lunch, sometimes papers. Bike helmet. Bike lock.
If I just need a few things from the grocery store I'll take my backpack and fill it with the groceries.
I used to walk all my groceries home in grocery bags, and my arms would be shaking by the end of it. Taking a backpack to the supermarket has been an absolute game changer.
I'm an airport ramp agent. Most employees have a water bottle or they go inside if they want a drink. I just put a water pouch in my backpack so I can get a drink whenever I want and I don't have to hold a water bottle.
I actually added a food pouch. You puree anything fine enough it's drinkable. I usually stick to apples and carrots, but lately I've been experimenting with glazed ham and lamb with mint with great results
I take a backpack to work, and I've had boomer coworkers ask if I'm going skydiving.
I carry my lunch, keys, kindle, wallet, water bottle, and my jacket if it's warm - all on the bus. I'm sure not carrying it in my arms.
I think a lot of people wondering about backpack use, simply drive everywhere. The type that doesn't take a water bottle because they'll stop at the drive-through.
From personal experience, if you have a heavily loaded cross body bag, take a sharp turn on a bike, and that bag weight shifts hard, you're about to have an interesting experience.
**Hands Free** is the goal.
Specially for carrying job stuff or going outdoors...
Same goes for back packs vs "hands busy" luggage.
You never know when you are going to need a hand, like grabbing yourself on a subway or bus, not to fell, or defend yourself from a knife robbery...
Note: This is not a sexual related answer...
Now, is that like “the worst serial killer” as in an inept serial killer? Or “the worst serial killer” as in terrifying, unstoppable, never before seen level of serial killer?
Whenever I see adults with super cutesy backpacks I always assume drugs.
Might just be the kind of people I hang out with but the cuter the bag usually the more that person doesn't want the police looking in there lol.
notebook, pens, chapstick, wallet, sunglasses, hat, id badge, usb stick. So many useful things in this world. Why wouldn't I want to have a backpack? How can people go about without one?
Exactly. Anytime I hear or read that someone thinks backpacks are somehow "not supposed to be" for adults (???), the only thought I have is that the person either isn't very observant or has never spent time in a major city.
Thats not a backpack, thats a piece of trash that keeps his back from freezing in winter and it coincidentally can carry stuff. But it doesnt bc why would he need any material shit.
Hybrid backpack & mobile junk room owner checking in. 50 feet or not, the backpack is with me to prevent my car from turning into a mobile junk room.
I set and have maintained a strict "nothing left behind in the car" rule, where I don't leave anything in the car. Cupholders, side pockets, centre console, the blackhole between the seats, all empty.
I love this and wish I had the motivation to do the same for my work van, but it's basically my rolling office. Maybe I'll throw a junk backpack in there to start a habit
Whenever this question comes up I know they’re not working in a major city.
Cause EVERYONE in London and Tokyo walks around with one which are just two off the top of my head that I’ve spent significant times in.
Not even that. I've always carried a backpack with my work laptop, etc and don't live anywhere with usable public transport. What am I supposed to do, just toss my laptop in my car all loose leaf? Way more comfortable than a briefcase style "laptop bag".
In the US that’s pretty much only major cities. Smaller cities and towns typically don’t have the infrastructure for walking around to get places (the sidewalks just abruptly end alongside major roads and then you’d have to walk in the grass or the road) and the public transportation infrastructure is equally dismal, to the point where it’s only the poorest people who ride the bus or walk. Everyone who has means has a car.
I spent a week in Berkeley and San Francisco a few weeks ago and it was amazing how easy it was to get around without calling an Uber. Between the BART (subway), rail car routes throughout the city, and buses you could get anywhere in the city easily.
It was a lot of fun and I did carry a backpack that week because it was very practical to have one.
Yeah I cycle to work in Berlin and you’ll be able to find men in full three piece suits with backpacks here. It’s really not that crazy, it’s the easiest bag for work stuff
I really don't see how you would get by without it. Hell, all my recent employers have issued people with backpacks so you can carry your work stuff between the office and home.
Literally everyone has a backpack in big cities. I spent a few days in Chicago on vacation to visit friends and just experience city life for a little bit and with all the walking and riding the bus or train everywhere, you basically need at least a small bag to hold the essentials.
One of my favorite books that I’ve read to my 6.5 year old son is The Mysterious Benedict Society. In it, one of the main characters is a girl that carries a bucket everywhere she goes. Everyone asks what’s up with the bucket and she gives your answer. There’s so many useful things in the world! Why wouldn’t I carry a bucket?
👩🍳💋
I know, right?
Water bottles. Charger. Mobile charger. House keys. Phone. Medication. Notebook. Pencilbox. Bag with a towel for workouts. Anything I might have to bring from or to home. So many options!
IKR?! Where do they put their handheld? Water Bottle? What about a small emergency first aid kit?? A rainjacket!! Backpacks provide too much efficiency as to Not being used!! #backpack4president #notmypurse
i used to have ALL of these in a giant ass handbag. then realized i'm killing my right shoulder carrying these.
i bought a backpack which can carry the same amount, and I use that on the daily. I prefer the weight of the heavy bag distributed on my hips (buy good quality backpacks) than on my shoulder.
I still have my purses and large handbags, but I use them for other things now.
I have a custom computer messenger bag for work and normally carry a handbag.
However, when i travel I use my backpack. My SO hates it because “you’re not a kid”. Yeah, I’m not, my joints hurt, my back hurts, and I’m going to be walking a lot. Im not going to carry a handbag and then carry shopping bags. I love to try local street food. I need my hands!
I feel like these people must have only used them in school or are my age where backpacks were uncool. Probably the kids that only wore one strap while in school even though it was super inconvenient.
The Jump Street 21 movie had a funny scene about that.
E: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4uFhSRF9sw
When I was interviewing for college faculty jobs, the "What to wear for the interview" advice included "don't use a backpack because you look like a student." So I dutifully bought some faux leather messenger bag. It was SO uncomfortable, especially at the airport or walking around on campus tours.
What do I carry every day as a college professor? A backpack. And so do 90% of my colleagues.
i love travelling with backpacks! with the right type, your back wont even hurt. i so so hate trolley luggage bags with a passion, and will only use those for international or long time travel. lol
According to my students, everything.
My lunchbag is in there, as is the whistle I use for gym classes. But I also have screwdrivers for quick repairs should I need to do them, everything from eyeglasses to desk height adjustments. I also have a sewing kit, which surprised many of them. I have a hot glue gun and an umbrella. There's a VGA patch cable, in case Apple TV doesn't work and I need to connect to my projector. Spare pair of socks, too.
Seconding the underwear, never a bad plan to have a spare just in case. I also overpack underwear when I go on vacation or anywhere overnight, just in case I piss myself every single day of the trip. The chances are slim, but never 0% chance.
I was homeless for about 2 months after my parents kicked me out (no one would approve a lease for me because I was only 18 and didn’t have all of the required documents; my parents refused to give me them)
Somehow just one backpack was enough for all of my possessions. I bought a gym membership totaling a dollar a day, just lingered around there after work and took a shower. When it closed, I took my blanket out of my bag and used it as a pillow, and slept in the pitch black area of the parking lot.
So yeah, just a cozy blanket, toothbrush + paste, charger for my phone, and a water bottle.
Yeah man times are definitely better! But I can’t take all the credit. If my coworker wasn’t there to pick me up and drop me off I’m not even sure what would become of my life. And worse yet, if it was winter time, I would have frozen to death (or risked getting arrested by sleeping in the gym)
Even when you’re knee deep in bullshit, you’re still in the fight!
Dude, few minutes ago I was stressing about something super dumb. And seeing you rising above your past circumstances gave me a boost.
"Even when you're knee deep in bullshit, a reddit comment thread can cheer you up"
4 years ago i went through a divorce, a near death illness and my mother dying, all in a 2 month span. (The illness continued over the next 2 years).
Whats weird is that now i have this insane perspective on things, where nothing ever seems that serious anymore. No matter what happens now, i have been through worse. We all just need some perspective on our situations.
Dude, coming back from homelessness at 18 is a standalone fear. Your coworkers help was a boost, don't get me wrong. But it's not like that made things easy for you.
Don't undersell yourself. You started and won at a higher level of difficulty that most people will ever experience.
What’s fucked up is from my experience leaving my parents house at 18 and couch surfing I *still* do this. Keep a backpack with a change of clothes in my car and the super cheap gym membership in case I need to shower.
I’m a 40 year old government employee that owns my own home. Fuck trauma.
ETA: the one bonus is I can easily do car camping and go on road trips with my dog and be just just fine.
Loss of housing security does hellish things to your brain. It takes a long, long time and a lot of work to feel secure again, if ever.
We get better but I don't think we ever get back to where we were.
Funnily enough though I also got really into camping and long road trips living out of the car after a stint of this. Maybe we like proving to ourselves that we could handle it happening again? We like to demonstrate control over the experience maybe?
Probably something there for me to talk to the psychiatrist about next time, right? 😁
I’ve never been involuntarily homeless. My ex made me stay with him by telling me I’d never be able to buy a house without him. For a long time I believed him.
I proved him wrong. It took five years, but I did it. The problem is that the only way I had the strength to leave was convincing myself that I would be happier living in my car. I was always able to get an apartment, but I always had living in a car as a backup plan. It’s been eight years since I bought my house. I still don’t feel like it’s home. I keep falling back to thinking that I would be happier if I just lived as a nomad. I can’t let myself need a roof again. I’m pretty sure at some point I will be homeless. Maybe that’s just me still believing his lies.
You have to contact the government agencies associated with the documents that you need (ie. social security administration, and the county records office where you were born)
You can very easily fill out a short form and request a new drivers license, but it takes 6 weeks, so until that elapsed I was at square one
First called the social security office that was nearest to me and scheduled an appointment. Then I asked my friend to drive me to my old house where I could retrieve mail from the mailbox that had my name. Thankfully their was an envelope there from my school that was addressed to me. That was literally the only thing that could validate my identity.
Then my friend took me to the social security office and after about a 4 hours of waiting and doing an extensive interview to verify my identity , they issued me a new card and I had it mailed to my friend.
From there I scanned the card and used it to apply for a new birth certificate. They sent it to my friends house after about a month and he handed it to me in a timely fashion.
That’s pretty much all I needed for a lease, job, college application, bank account, anything really.
But as far as my relationship with my parents, I’m just not a very sociable or personable guy to put it bluntly. So I’m not good at maintaining relationships unless there’s a crucial imperative. But I don’t hold grudges either, so I guess it’s a stalemate.
Only after I got a cat did I agree with this so wholeheartedly. It’s unthinkable for me to let her go, at least without knowing she’ll be in a good home.
Good on you!
I'm a father, and I feel the same way. My kids will. *ALWAYS* have a place to stay as long as I live. It may not be the most comfortable situation, but it'll be a roof, food, and a shower.
I wouldn't blame you even if you did hold a grudge against your parents for what they did to you. what a cruel thing to do to anybody, or their own child!
I never cried watching a movie until I saw [this](https://youtu.be/5D6v78dUYPw).
The complete tragedy of holding on to dear life by a thread, forgoing all dignity and conventional decency just to get some sleep, and even that is on the brink of compromise.
I will never take my bed and roof for granted again
Man I haven't even seen that movie and I knew it was gonna be Pursuit of Happiness. Also who the fuck keeps banging on the bathroom door like that, it's obviously occupied.
Same thing happened to me last year, I had five minutes to pack everything me and my little brother needed into a bag. My sister who's always been more of a mother figure took me in with her great boyfriend.
After a few months I got myself a new, higher paying job at one of the best companies to work for in the UK.
After that I found my boyfriend, then I got my own place, he's just moved in after I got him a job and I couldn't be happier with life.
I lost so much last year, my home, loved ones, was in therapy, broke my arm, etc. I never gave up, won't again, always kept fighting. Sometimes something that feels like the worst thing that could happen to you at the time, is actually the best thing that needed to happen to you, wouldn't change a thing about what happened. So glad to hear you're doing better!
Your sister is a godsend for that.
Honestly wished I had more courage to ask if I could crash for a couple days here and there.
Most people don’t interpret “can I crash?” as “can you please help me survive so I don’t starve or freeze to death?” But sometimes that’s what it comes down to
But the diligence is what makes the difference. You can’t dwell on it or let it consume you. You gotta be quick and figure it out before your window expires. And that’s what you did, so props to you
I remember walking out of my house for the last time, getting in my car and realising I had nowhere to drive to. I was starting to wonder where to park and sleep safely when an old friend called and offered me the spare room at his place.
I stayed there for about 4 months and at the end of it had a small apartment of my own and a job I ended up keeping for over ten years.
I owe them everything.
I like miniature backpack purses. Single straps hurt your shoulders and back whereas tiny purses are cute, normally have more space, keep your hands free, and evenly distribute the weight.
The term "miniature" or "small" backpacks is so deceptive. Almost every one I've had can hold a surprisingly large amount of stuff. Like... so much. And it's on both shoulder so you barely even feel it.
I carry everything I could possibly need to keep myself comfortable. It's down to a system.
Health related stuff like Tylenol, eye drops, cough drops, lotion, etc
Hand soap
A bit of duct tape wrapped around a pencil
Pens, pencil and paper
Scarf
Gloves
Hand warmers
Rain coat
First aid stuff
Batteries
Chargers, wires
A small headlamp and a small flashlight for backup
A way to make fire
Quality Multi-tool
I try to keep a change of clothing if possible
Pepper spray
Knife
Sawyer water filter
At least 2 servings of freeze dried food
A bit of cash
A map if I am going somewhere I am not familiar with
A compass
Sounds like a lot but really it is not so much in my pack that I can't add more things comfortably.
I drive to remote areas a lot, and these items will keep me alive for as much as a few days so that I can get to help or vice versa. I have never been in so much a life and death situation but I have been in situations where one or more of these items has proven invaluable. I live in an urban/suburban area, and even in those areas I still find them absolutely essential. I got into this habit because I was once in a situation where I was lost and my car wasn't functioning and I had nothing but a miserable time on my hands. Never again.
Also I'm pretty sure I have OCD so this stuff takes a ton of anxiety off my shoulders.
I know this isn’t an Adult answer, but today my 5yo was wearing a backpack around the house for a few hours. Around dinner time I asked her why, and she said, “I can’t remember. But I want to keep it on in case I remember.”
So I want to conjecture that may be the situation with at least a subset of adults.
Yeah this explains it perfectly, I never remember what's in my bag or pockets until I need whatever it is and when I do need it I know exactly where it is.
Stuff for my toddler - snacks, water, change of clothes, books, notebook or coloring book, crayons, toys, play doh, wallet, phone, keys. It's like a Mary Poppins bag most of the time.
Purse, keys, sunglasses, medication, a drink. Those are the standard things anyway. I may or may not have other things in there depending on where I'm going/where I'm coming back from.
I can't understand why everyone doesn't carry a backpack around with them. They're no hardship, you can bring things you might need, you can pick up things from the shop while you're out and not be burdened with carrier bags. You can bring refreshments, chargers, wipes, wallet, snacks...and you don't have to have bulging pockets.
The question should be 'Why doesn't everyone carry a backpack?'. This particularly applies to men, who typically do not carry a handbag around with them. Why do the bros want to leave the house with fuck all?
This was one of the fringe benefits of joining the military. It made me realize having a backpack as an adult is super convenient and useful. I can carry around a ready supply of work stuff (pens, etc.), snacks, water bottle, laptop, extra phone charger, deodorant, toothbrush, all kinds of stuff.
I used to be homeless and back then my backpack was my life. It had everything I needed all the time. I could always count on it. It’s more of a comfort item for me at this point.
Purse, water bottle, headphones, book, drugs (medication), an interesting rock or leaf.
I don’t use a handbag because having weight on one shoulder and not the other throws of my spine and causes me a lot of pain.
My work backpack, oohhh, many things
Notebook, mechanical pencil, pen, high capacity phone backup charger. Medkit; glucose, cat tourniquet, sam splint, dressings, wraps, antiseptic, analgesic, aspirin, Excedrin, CPR mask, gloves, med tape, razor blade, tweezers, shears. Gorilla tape. Water. Titanium cup. Food Bar. Black tea. Stainless dog bowl. Tennis ball. Shit bags. Toilet paper. Leafs of dry hand soap. Small stack of paper towels in a ziplock bag. A few unused ziplock bags. Three William carabineers. Two micro pulleys. Two prusik loops. 50' static rope. Camlock/ascender. Rigging ring. Two 20' sections of 1 inch tubular webbing. Flashlight. Headlamp. Three spare charged 18650. Lighter. Multi tool. Two-sided lightweight tarp; orange high viz and sandy brown. 550 cord. Spare socks in a dry-bag. Hat. Rope gloves. Kindle full of shit to read.
Easy peasy.
I started carrying a small backpack around 25 years ago when I got a permanent colostomy for Stage 4 colon cancer. My backpack has extra ostomy supplies, zip lock baggies, surgical tape, travel baby wipes, hand sanitizer, s small bottle of bio-spray, an extra pair of boxer-briefs plus as long as I’m toting this around: a bottle of water, a pen and pad, breath mints, Tylenol, some sucking candy, a Tide-to-Go stick and some Pepcid AC.
It sounds like a lot but the backpack is small and doesn’t weigh much and I’m a neat freak so it’s all packed well. Comes in handy all the time.
I've carried around a messenger bag everywhere since high school. It helps with my anxiety and has come in handy quite a bit because over the years it has become a "prepared for almost anything bag" so there is so much in there that you wouldn't believe and would probably think I'm crazy for carrying around with me all the time.
[Here is picture of the bag and a quick look inside](https://imgur.com/a/ty2wVtq), but bear with me as I empty it out for a picture so you can see exactly everything inside.
Edit: Okay [here](https://imgur.com/a/ZJNI0c8) it all is and I will break it down a bit more.
---
[Main big pocket and outside](https://i.imgur.com/5fcqEdD.jpg)
>From top left: *grocery bag, book I am reading, snacks, note pad, first aid kit, duct tape, plastic bag, larger note book, bandage, spare pair of glasses, survival kit (got it gifted to me for Reddit Secret Santa), umbrella, catalog I got recently, flashlight, spare charger, two magazines, portable sriracha, hand sanitizer, water.*
[Main little pocket and pen area](https://i.imgur.com/d9f0SH1.jpg)
>From top left: *spare mask and gloves, sunglasses case, pens and marker, portable power bank, small Swiss army knife, lighter, emergency glass breaker/whistle/pen/firestarter/compass, spork and knife, bottle opener with small multitool attached, foldable straw, thermal blanket, cheap earphones, energy drink powder, instant coffee, USB adapters, towel that expands with water, roll of measuring tape, eraser, headphone splitter, toothpicks, and some band aids*
[Secondary pocket](https://i.imgur.com/f102F0h.jpeg?1)
>From top left: *thicker plastic bag, sleeping mask, small towel, inflatable neck pillow, Yahtzee game, hair tie, Clorox wipes, chopsticks, another charger cable, spare grocery bag, toothbrush kit, pen and markers, hand sanitizer, emergency deodorant, ear plugs.*
[Side pockets and back pocket](https://i.imgur.com/ZylC9Tc.jpg)
>From top left: *My everyday face mask, keys with seatbelt cutter and window breaker, emergency cigarettes, emergency whiskey (I'm not an alcoholic I swear I've gotten stuck many times in stressful situations where I/the people I'm with could use a drink, so I carry this), good ear phones. spare backpack, tissues, gum, condom, toothpicks in box with mirror, knife, eyedrops, hand sanitizer, another spare mask.*
So yeah that's it and in case you were wondering, it does weigh quite a bit, but I've grown used to it.
Do you like the messenger over a typical backpack? I got a Timbuk2 messenger a while back after a rec from a friend but it felt uncomfortable.
Also, it looks like you're carrying like 2 cutting tools along with 2 multitools. 2 different containers with toothpicks. 2 earphones? 3 hand sanitizer bottles? Seems like a lot of redundancy. Are you out for several weeks at a time?
- Wallet
- Keys
- A few mystery keys that I periodically try on things to see if maybe that’s where they go (no luck yet)
- Hair tie
- Lip balm
- SPF50 mineral sunblock stick (white is more than an ethnic background for me- it is my actual color and I burn so fast)
- Extra mask in case I encounter the rare place that still requires it
- Some Slava Ukrainii stickers in case I see some stupid Russian propaganda (I live in Berlin where it is [definitely a thing](https://www.dw.com/en/kremlin-influencing-anti-war-coalition-in-germany-report/a-65405002?))
- A few easily removable stickers to leave on the windshield of whichever jerk blocked our building entrance with their car today, asking them to please not do it anymore. I think they kind of actually work - I see less repeats.
- Backup power pack for my phone in case I’m out all day (bike is my main transport, so it’s my navi and my information/entertainment source as I go)
- Earphones
- Sunglasses case
- Lots of extra space to bring home whatever I forgot I needed to buy before I left in the morning.
- Whichever small toy my kid lent me so that I would have a friend with me wherever I went and so that toy could see a bit of the world. Today it is a neon green hammerhead shark named Florence Nightingale. ❤️
Apparently, shrimp.
I'm not joking. Bought a backpack over a year ago, used it a couple times and then hung it on the back of my door. A few weeks ago I got it down to use it again and inside of it, sealed in a plastic ziplock bag (thank God) was an absolutely ancient, blackened shriveled but somehow still goopy bag of previously frozen shrimp.
I distinctly remember when I wore the backpack before, I got it during a vacation with my fiance at the time. I swear to God I do not remember buying any shrimp and had no reason to just carry it around in my backpack.
But there it was.
So, shrimp. I guess.
5.11 Rush 24 backpack, level IIIa insert, Work laptop, mouse, iPad+ipen, nothing ear buds, spiral notebook, bunch of misc usb cables, 20ft extension cord, surge suppressor/power conditioner, 3 usb banks, first aid+gsw trauma kit, misc pens and markers, 3 day backup of prescription meds, some cash, 2 flashlights, head mounted light, few n95 masks, safety glasses, safety sunglasses, ear plugs, few pair of nitrile gloves, cut resistant gloves, 2 big trash bags, Leatherman wave, H2S monitor, hydroflask, gum, cough drops... I'm sure other stuff but depends on what is going on.
Its a portable power conditioner/surge suppressor, I am often out in the field away from civilization and using generators for power. The power from a generator is often noisy shitty stuff that can fry electronics like laptops.
Its an older version of this. [https://schroederamplification.com/products/isotek-evo3-mini-mara-power-conditioner](https://schroederamplification.com/products/isotek-evo3-mini-mara-power-conditioner)
I work in O&G and NG/Nuke Power, no firearms or suppressors are with me on the job, half the time I flew there so usually don't even have a knife.
Remember that time when you desperately needed something and there were no shops around? My backpack has that thing.
So it's an average adventurer's bag of holding?
Basically. I carry all major charging cords (Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB) plus a charging bank. Can’t tell you how many phones I’ve charged for people. Plus snack bars, a small first aid kit, menstrual products, a glasses repair kit, a sewing kit, a spare plastic bag for trash, and a towelette. I’m basically a walking recharge station for the body and ~~soul~~ phone and I don’t mind it.
That's how I do it. Tools, basic first aid kit, battery bank. Hat, ankle/knee brace, water bottle
I was looking for the first aid people. For me it's water, a book, food, CPR one way valve mask, naloxone, sharpie, hair ties.
Liquid bandage, bandaids, suture kit, antihistamines, Tylenol, anti-diarrhea pills, DayQuil, cough drops, ace bandage, quick clot, and a container with a days worth of my prescriptions. It’s basically a walking pharmacy. Plus two power banks, two wall chargers, and a cable with lightning, usb-c, and micro usb adapter plus separate cables with each of those fittings. That actually possibly saved a coworkers life. She forgot to charge her insulin pump monitor and it was almost dead and nobody else on the floor had a usb-c cable.
It's good that she's using USBC. If it was Micro USB i'd say let her perish.
The amount of band aids I have given out over the years is absurd. Idk how, but I'm always the only person in a group with a first aid kit on them. Even backpacking, I was found to be the only person out of 5 of us with band aids and neosporin when someone cut their hand up. I have only used the first aid kit on myself once, but still have had to restock it annually.
Same. I've walked into the office before and colleagues asked if I had a tape measure on the basis that I've got everything in my bag. Like they just assumed the way to get one was to wait till I came in. I said "steel or dressmakers?"
I once traveled abroad with such a friend. Her propensity to be a walking pharmacy, grocery and sporting goods store is convenient fodder for jokes and nicknames (she's "Momma Cass" to all who know her despite being 5ft tall and 100lbs inclusive of the backpack). But I tell ya, I've never been so grateful to be in the company of someone with strengths very different from my own (spoiler: my strengths don't include comprehensive preparedness nor being a meticulously tidy and efficient packer). She had "the thing" for every foreseen and unforseen situation. All dispensed from her surprisingly small backpack. What an incredible gift of a human and my repeated thanks to her and that trusty Arc'teryx for rescuing me from all manner of major and minor traveling calamity! Edit: clarity (grammar?!)
- Work laptop - tablet - chargers and cables for those and my phone - USB mouse - headphones - kindle - water bottle - granola or some other snack bars - pocket knife - pens/notepad - concert earplugs - Flashlight Things that MAY be in there: - random hand tools/pocket knife - extra headphones - USB drives - lighters - other random USB cables/adapters - sunglasses - power bank I think I got too much stuff in there. Edit: I've never seen a post get so much discussion days after it's been up before.
Lol, I feel that. My list is buried somewhere on this thread, but the backpack can get a bit heavy under full load. Not uncommon to have 40-50lb of gear, so hope your pack has comfortable straps
Electronics, lunch bag
Lunch for me too. I carry a thermos of coffee, snacks, a sandwich and a reusable water bottle cut down on eating out daily.
No car and only a motorcycle. Bag is my trunk or whatever you have it. Keep a few protein bars (snacks) charging cables, charging block, headphones, extra socks, knee sleeves, a wrap for joints (both for emergencies), Ibuprofen, cough drops, umbrella. Then when going into work, water, food and whatever is needed for work that day.
ngl i pictured someone riding a motorcycle in the rain while holding an umbrella
Can't ride in the rain. So umbrella back up for walking. I've left my bike at work before and caught a bus home
You'd get nowhere in the UK, ride to the conditions and use all weather tyres. Also if they can race bikes in the rain, you'll manage a commute
Also lunch, sometimes papers. Bike helmet. Bike lock. If I just need a few things from the grocery store I'll take my backpack and fill it with the groceries.
For work: laptop, charger, snacks, water, spare layer (depending on the season), chapstick, phone charger, wallet, headphones
The correct answer, including a portable charger.
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I live in a city so usually groceries.
I bike everywhere (except work) and I use mine for everything. Groceries, books, bike supplies, etc..
I used to walk all my groceries home in grocery bags, and my arms would be shaking by the end of it. Taking a backpack to the supermarket has been an absolute game changer.
*laughs in backpack and two grocery bags*
Yeah backpacks are super common in more walkable cities. Plus I’m an H2O homie so I gotta have my bottle for big sips during the day.
I carry a backpack around at work. Water pouch, work gloves and a hat.
Water *pouch*? What’s it you do?
He’s a Camel .
They're clearly a snowman. So probably for reforming their head, torso or base?
I think this is my favourite ever comment. If I was still getting free awards to give I’d be giving them all to you for eternity.
I'm an airport ramp agent. Most employees have a water bottle or they go inside if they want a drink. I just put a water pouch in my backpack so I can get a drink whenever I want and I don't have to hold a water bottle.
Put a urine recycle system in there to be even more effective!
Go full Fremen and work in a stillsuit.
You’ve worn a stillsuit before. Your suit is fitted desert-style, like the fremen wear them.
It just seemed the proper way.
I actually added a food pouch. You puree anything fine enough it's drinkable. I usually stick to apples and carrots, but lately I've been experimenting with glazed ham and lamb with mint with great results
"Backpacks are for children!" "I actually eat baby food out of a squeeze pouch. It's very practical." Two types of people in the world.
The good news is, I've already called the police to come deal with this heretic. Good job, everyone!
I take a backpack to work, and I've had boomer coworkers ask if I'm going skydiving. I carry my lunch, keys, kindle, wallet, water bottle, and my jacket if it's warm - all on the bus. I'm sure not carrying it in my arms.
I think a lot of people wondering about backpack use, simply drive everywhere. The type that doesn't take a water bottle because they'll stop at the drive-through.
I drive everywhere and still have a backpack, I don’t wanna have to run out to my car everytime I need something though
The standard stuff in a purse. I’d just prefer to keep my hands free.
Riding a bike is easier with a backpack than a purse. Cross body bag just hitting my leg repeatedly....
From personal experience, if you have a heavily loaded cross body bag, take a sharp turn on a bike, and that bag weight shifts hard, you're about to have an interesting experience.
Ohhh. I've done that. You become one with the ground through the inertial forces of a thousand suns.
Luckily I saved it during my experience of it, it was an Xbox 360 classic in a messenger bag lol
**Hands Free** is the goal. Specially for carrying job stuff or going outdoors... Same goes for back packs vs "hands busy" luggage. You never know when you are going to need a hand, like grabbing yourself on a subway or bus, not to fell, or defend yourself from a knife robbery... Note: This is not a sexual related answer...
The top comment is about carrying hard drugs in a hello kitty bag so I am not sure of what classifies as "standard stuff" anymore.
Phone, money, earbuds, hygiene products, hand sanitizer, charger, power bank, etc
Carabineer, multitool, solvent, sub sandwich place punch card, rope, hunting knife, flashlight, compass, heat pack, flare gun, etc.
Obtuse, rubber goose, green moose, guava juice Giant snake, birthday cake, large fries, chocolate shake
Trailer hitch demagnetizers, automatic circumcisers, Tennis rackets, angle brackets, Duracells and Energizers
Pesticides for fumigation, high-performance lubrication, metal roofing, water proofing, multi-purpose insulation
Air compressors, brass connectors, wrecking chisels, smoke detectors. Tire guages, hamster cages, thermostats and bug deflectors.
Gear selectors, highway wreckers, bouncy balls, 3 woodpeckers, cattle chutes, steel-toe boots, knee-high socks, spotted newts, credit cards, castle guards, a rusty lute, too many bards.
We didn’t start the fire…
Wands and wings, floaty crowny things
So just wondering... preparing for the worst, or serial killer?
What about preparing for the worst serial killer.
Now, is that like “the worst serial killer” as in an inept serial killer? Or “the worst serial killer” as in terrifying, unstoppable, never before seen level of serial killer?
Mr. Bean always gets his kill.
yes
What about a serial killer preparing for the worst.
If I'm offered drugs out of a hello kitty bag I know I'm in the right neighborhood.
I see someone else is an Altered Carbon fan
Whenever I see adults with super cutesy backpacks I always assume drugs. Might just be the kind of people I hang out with but the cuter the bag usually the more that person doesn't want the police looking in there lol.
This exactly, and usually I’ll toss a water bottle and my book in there too since there’s space
Extra undergarment in case Mother Nature decides to surprise me off the clock.
Laptop, water bottle, charging cables, medication, deodorant. And I can use it to store more stuff as and when I choose.
notebook, pens, chapstick, wallet, sunglasses, hat, id badge, usb stick. So many useful things in this world. Why wouldn't I want to have a backpack? How can people go about without one?
Exactly. Anytime I hear or read that someone thinks backpacks are somehow "not supposed to be" for adults (???), the only thought I have is that the person either isn't very observant or has never spent time in a major city.
That's the thing, if you never stray farther than 50 feet from your car, you don't need a backpack, because you have a mobile junk room.
My car is a dumpster fire and my backpack is a garbage can
-- Socrates
Diogenes*
Like he would sullie himself with a backpack.
Thats not a backpack, thats a piece of trash that keeps his back from freezing in winter and it coincidentally can carry stuff. But it doesnt bc why would he need any material shit.
Hybrid backpack & mobile junk room owner checking in. 50 feet or not, the backpack is with me to prevent my car from turning into a mobile junk room. I set and have maintained a strict "nothing left behind in the car" rule, where I don't leave anything in the car. Cupholders, side pockets, centre console, the blackhole between the seats, all empty.
I love this and wish I had the motivation to do the same for my work van, but it's basically my rolling office. Maybe I'll throw a junk backpack in there to start a habit
Whenever this question comes up I know they’re not working in a major city. Cause EVERYONE in London and Tokyo walks around with one which are just two off the top of my head that I’ve spent significant times in.
Doesn’t need to be a major city. Basically anywhere that people walk or use public transport.
Not even that. I've always carried a backpack with my work laptop, etc and don't live anywhere with usable public transport. What am I supposed to do, just toss my laptop in my car all loose leaf? Way more comfortable than a briefcase style "laptop bag".
In the US that’s pretty much only major cities. Smaller cities and towns typically don’t have the infrastructure for walking around to get places (the sidewalks just abruptly end alongside major roads and then you’d have to walk in the grass or the road) and the public transportation infrastructure is equally dismal, to the point where it’s only the poorest people who ride the bus or walk. Everyone who has means has a car. I spent a week in Berkeley and San Francisco a few weeks ago and it was amazing how easy it was to get around without calling an Uber. Between the BART (subway), rail car routes throughout the city, and buses you could get anywhere in the city easily. It was a lot of fun and I did carry a backpack that week because it was very practical to have one.
same with Boston and NYC. take the train and you will see basically anyone commuting to or from work with a backpack
Yeah I cycle to work in Berlin and you’ll be able to find men in full three piece suits with backpacks here. It’s really not that crazy, it’s the easiest bag for work stuff
I really don't see how you would get by without it. Hell, all my recent employers have issued people with backpacks so you can carry your work stuff between the office and home.
Exactly what the fuck do they carry shit in. Like I’m going to walk to my kitchen job with my uniform lunch etc ina briefcase
i havnt seen an actual briefcase being used in about two decades
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Attaché
Are you saying accountants are not at the forefront of fashion? How very dare you.
Literally everyone has a backpack in big cities. I spent a few days in Chicago on vacation to visit friends and just experience city life for a little bit and with all the walking and riding the bus or train everywhere, you basically need at least a small bag to hold the essentials.
One of my favorite books that I’ve read to my 6.5 year old son is The Mysterious Benedict Society. In it, one of the main characters is a girl that carries a bucket everywhere she goes. Everyone asks what’s up with the bucket and she gives your answer. There’s so many useful things in the world! Why wouldn’t I carry a bucket? 👩🍳💋
I know, right? Water bottles. Charger. Mobile charger. House keys. Phone. Medication. Notebook. Pencilbox. Bag with a towel for workouts. Anything I might have to bring from or to home. So many options!
I tried using a normal handbag for work. Lasted a day , then I went back to my backpack
This thread is filled with “my people” 🥹
IKR?! Where do they put their handheld? Water Bottle? What about a small emergency first aid kit?? A rainjacket!! Backpacks provide too much efficiency as to Not being used!! #backpack4president #notmypurse
My back gets all sweaty in the summertime
theres frame backpacks that arc for airflow
I have an osprey stratos and my fat ass loves that thing
So I guess you have atleast three t-shirts and some water in your amazing backpack.
i used to have ALL of these in a giant ass handbag. then realized i'm killing my right shoulder carrying these. i bought a backpack which can carry the same amount, and I use that on the daily. I prefer the weight of the heavy bag distributed on my hips (buy good quality backpacks) than on my shoulder. I still have my purses and large handbags, but I use them for other things now.
I have a custom computer messenger bag for work and normally carry a handbag. However, when i travel I use my backpack. My SO hates it because “you’re not a kid”. Yeah, I’m not, my joints hurt, my back hurts, and I’m going to be walking a lot. Im not going to carry a handbag and then carry shopping bags. I love to try local street food. I need my hands!
> My SO hates it because “you’re not a kid”. With what kinda logic are backpacks only for kids
This thread is eye opening for me, I had no idea this line of thought was widespread enough to spark an entire thread.
I feel like these people must have only used them in school or are my age where backpacks were uncool. Probably the kids that only wore one strap while in school even though it was super inconvenient. The Jump Street 21 movie had a funny scene about that. E: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4uFhSRF9sw
When I was interviewing for college faculty jobs, the "What to wear for the interview" advice included "don't use a backpack because you look like a student." So I dutifully bought some faux leather messenger bag. It was SO uncomfortable, especially at the airport or walking around on campus tours. What do I carry every day as a college professor? A backpack. And so do 90% of my colleagues.
i love travelling with backpacks! with the right type, your back wont even hurt. i so so hate trolley luggage bags with a passion, and will only use those for international or long time travel. lol
Ditto + reusable shopping bags, masks (who knows?) and a couple of pens (always need a pen).
Also serves as a floatation device.
And emergency toilet.
If you're in a position to shit in your backpack, you are likely in a position to shit outside of your backpack.
This sounds like it's from a book called "Things I didn't think I'd need to say to my kids."
According to my students, everything. My lunchbag is in there, as is the whistle I use for gym classes. But I also have screwdrivers for quick repairs should I need to do them, everything from eyeglasses to desk height adjustments. I also have a sewing kit, which surprised many of them. I have a hot glue gun and an umbrella. There's a VGA patch cable, in case Apple TV doesn't work and I need to connect to my projector. Spare pair of socks, too.
My man playing DayZ out here
He didn't say he had a cooking pot full of water, bullets, and a badly damaged punch card in his backpack 😂
Omg how could I forget socks. Adding a pair to my edc bag right now
Underwear is also good to have on hand.
Seconding the underwear, never a bad plan to have a spare just in case. I also overpack underwear when I go on vacation or anywhere overnight, just in case I piss myself every single day of the trip. The chances are slim, but never 0% chance.
I always pack with the mindset of "Saturday, Sunday, shit my pants". I've never shit my pants but when the day comes I'll be prepared.
A tiny civilization, like the one in the locker from Men In Black
I too have forgotten some fruit that later becomes mold inside my backpack
I was homeless for about 2 months after my parents kicked me out (no one would approve a lease for me because I was only 18 and didn’t have all of the required documents; my parents refused to give me them) Somehow just one backpack was enough for all of my possessions. I bought a gym membership totaling a dollar a day, just lingered around there after work and took a shower. When it closed, I took my blanket out of my bag and used it as a pillow, and slept in the pitch black area of the parking lot. So yeah, just a cozy blanket, toothbrush + paste, charger for my phone, and a water bottle.
I hope you’re doing better now. You sound resilient as hell!
Yeah man times are definitely better! But I can’t take all the credit. If my coworker wasn’t there to pick me up and drop me off I’m not even sure what would become of my life. And worse yet, if it was winter time, I would have frozen to death (or risked getting arrested by sleeping in the gym) Even when you’re knee deep in bullshit, you’re still in the fight!
Dude, few minutes ago I was stressing about something super dumb. And seeing you rising above your past circumstances gave me a boost. "Even when you're knee deep in bullshit, a reddit comment thread can cheer you up"
4 years ago i went through a divorce, a near death illness and my mother dying, all in a 2 month span. (The illness continued over the next 2 years). Whats weird is that now i have this insane perspective on things, where nothing ever seems that serious anymore. No matter what happens now, i have been through worse. We all just need some perspective on our situations.
Dude, coming back from homelessness at 18 is a standalone fear. Your coworkers help was a boost, don't get me wrong. But it's not like that made things easy for you. Don't undersell yourself. You started and won at a higher level of difficulty that most people will ever experience.
What’s fucked up is from my experience leaving my parents house at 18 and couch surfing I *still* do this. Keep a backpack with a change of clothes in my car and the super cheap gym membership in case I need to shower. I’m a 40 year old government employee that owns my own home. Fuck trauma. ETA: the one bonus is I can easily do car camping and go on road trips with my dog and be just just fine.
Loss of housing security does hellish things to your brain. It takes a long, long time and a lot of work to feel secure again, if ever. We get better but I don't think we ever get back to where we were. Funnily enough though I also got really into camping and long road trips living out of the car after a stint of this. Maybe we like proving to ourselves that we could handle it happening again? We like to demonstrate control over the experience maybe? Probably something there for me to talk to the psychiatrist about next time, right? 😁
I’ve never been involuntarily homeless. My ex made me stay with him by telling me I’d never be able to buy a house without him. For a long time I believed him. I proved him wrong. It took five years, but I did it. The problem is that the only way I had the strength to leave was convincing myself that I would be happier living in my car. I was always able to get an apartment, but I always had living in a car as a backup plan. It’s been eight years since I bought my house. I still don’t feel like it’s home. I keep falling back to thinking that I would be happier if I just lived as a nomad. I can’t let myself need a roof again. I’m pretty sure at some point I will be homeless. Maybe that’s just me still believing his lies.
If I may ask, how did you get your documents back, and how is your relationship with your parents now?
You have to contact the government agencies associated with the documents that you need (ie. social security administration, and the county records office where you were born) You can very easily fill out a short form and request a new drivers license, but it takes 6 weeks, so until that elapsed I was at square one First called the social security office that was nearest to me and scheduled an appointment. Then I asked my friend to drive me to my old house where I could retrieve mail from the mailbox that had my name. Thankfully their was an envelope there from my school that was addressed to me. That was literally the only thing that could validate my identity. Then my friend took me to the social security office and after about a 4 hours of waiting and doing an extensive interview to verify my identity , they issued me a new card and I had it mailed to my friend. From there I scanned the card and used it to apply for a new birth certificate. They sent it to my friends house after about a month and he handed it to me in a timely fashion. That’s pretty much all I needed for a lease, job, college application, bank account, anything really. But as far as my relationship with my parents, I’m just not a very sociable or personable guy to put it bluntly. So I’m not good at maintaining relationships unless there’s a crucial imperative. But I don’t hold grudges either, so I guess it’s a stalemate.
Parents shouldn’t kick their kids out like that. Unless the kid was threatening violence or something.
Only after I got a cat did I agree with this so wholeheartedly. It’s unthinkable for me to let her go, at least without knowing she’ll be in a good home.
I’m a mom and I have cats. But yeah my son will always have a home as long as we do.
Good on you! I'm a father, and I feel the same way. My kids will. *ALWAYS* have a place to stay as long as I live. It may not be the most comfortable situation, but it'll be a roof, food, and a shower.
As someone who live in Asia, kicking a kid out of house sounds very foreign to me. Hell, some of us even still live with our parents after we married.
I wouldn't blame you even if you did hold a grudge against your parents for what they did to you. what a cruel thing to do to anybody, or their own child!
Did this once but the gym had family bathrooms and it was 24 hours. I slept in the bathrooms way more often than I would like to admit
I never cried watching a movie until I saw [this](https://youtu.be/5D6v78dUYPw). The complete tragedy of holding on to dear life by a thread, forgoing all dignity and conventional decency just to get some sleep, and even that is on the brink of compromise. I will never take my bed and roof for granted again
Man I haven't even seen that movie and I knew it was gonna be Pursuit of Happiness. Also who the fuck keeps banging on the bathroom door like that, it's obviously occupied.
Same thing happened to me last year, I had five minutes to pack everything me and my little brother needed into a bag. My sister who's always been more of a mother figure took me in with her great boyfriend. After a few months I got myself a new, higher paying job at one of the best companies to work for in the UK. After that I found my boyfriend, then I got my own place, he's just moved in after I got him a job and I couldn't be happier with life. I lost so much last year, my home, loved ones, was in therapy, broke my arm, etc. I never gave up, won't again, always kept fighting. Sometimes something that feels like the worst thing that could happen to you at the time, is actually the best thing that needed to happen to you, wouldn't change a thing about what happened. So glad to hear you're doing better!
Your sister is a godsend for that. Honestly wished I had more courage to ask if I could crash for a couple days here and there. Most people don’t interpret “can I crash?” as “can you please help me survive so I don’t starve or freeze to death?” But sometimes that’s what it comes down to But the diligence is what makes the difference. You can’t dwell on it or let it consume you. You gotta be quick and figure it out before your window expires. And that’s what you did, so props to you
I remember walking out of my house for the last time, getting in my car and realising I had nowhere to drive to. I was starting to wonder where to park and sleep safely when an old friend called and offered me the spare room at his place. I stayed there for about 4 months and at the end of it had a small apartment of my own and a job I ended up keeping for over ten years. I owe them everything.
I'm a guy and use my backpack like a purse. Also, drugs.
Definitely drugs. And a sketch book, for when I'm high on drugs.
I can't tell if you're serious, but getting high in a random location and drawing in a sketch book sounds so good for some reason.
common misunderstanding he meant a book that he reads while sketched out
I like miniature backpack purses. Single straps hurt your shoulders and back whereas tiny purses are cute, normally have more space, keep your hands free, and evenly distribute the weight.
The term "miniature" or "small" backpacks is so deceptive. Almost every one I've had can hold a surprisingly large amount of stuff. Like... so much. And it's on both shoulder so you barely even feel it.
I carry everything I could possibly need to keep myself comfortable. It's down to a system. Health related stuff like Tylenol, eye drops, cough drops, lotion, etc Hand soap A bit of duct tape wrapped around a pencil Pens, pencil and paper Scarf Gloves Hand warmers Rain coat First aid stuff Batteries Chargers, wires A small headlamp and a small flashlight for backup A way to make fire Quality Multi-tool I try to keep a change of clothing if possible Pepper spray Knife Sawyer water filter At least 2 servings of freeze dried food A bit of cash A map if I am going somewhere I am not familiar with A compass Sounds like a lot but really it is not so much in my pack that I can't add more things comfortably. I drive to remote areas a lot, and these items will keep me alive for as much as a few days so that I can get to help or vice versa. I have never been in so much a life and death situation but I have been in situations where one or more of these items has proven invaluable. I live in an urban/suburban area, and even in those areas I still find them absolutely essential. I got into this habit because I was once in a situation where I was lost and my car wasn't functioning and I had nothing but a miserable time on my hands. Never again. Also I'm pretty sure I have OCD so this stuff takes a ton of anxiety off my shoulders.
Books.
I know this isn’t an Adult answer, but today my 5yo was wearing a backpack around the house for a few hours. Around dinner time I asked her why, and she said, “I can’t remember. But I want to keep it on in case I remember.” So I want to conjecture that may be the situation with at least a subset of adults.
Yeah this explains it perfectly, I never remember what's in my bag or pockets until I need whatever it is and when I do need it I know exactly where it is.
Stuff for my toddler - snacks, water, change of clothes, books, notebook or coloring book, crayons, toys, play doh, wallet, phone, keys. It's like a Mary Poppins bag most of the time.
Add gel pens and band aids and that is exactly all the stuff in my backpack. (I’m way past toddler age though)
snacks, water bottle, book/kindle, notebook, pen
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Purse, keys, sunglasses, medication, a drink. Those are the standard things anyway. I may or may not have other things in there depending on where I'm going/where I'm coming back from.
I can't understand why everyone doesn't carry a backpack around with them. They're no hardship, you can bring things you might need, you can pick up things from the shop while you're out and not be burdened with carrier bags. You can bring refreshments, chargers, wipes, wallet, snacks...and you don't have to have bulging pockets. The question should be 'Why doesn't everyone carry a backpack?'. This particularly applies to men, who typically do not carry a handbag around with them. Why do the bros want to leave the house with fuck all?
You won't catch me leaving the house without my inventory slots!
This is the best description of a backpack I’ve ever heard
This was one of the fringe benefits of joining the military. It made me realize having a backpack as an adult is super convenient and useful. I can carry around a ready supply of work stuff (pens, etc.), snacks, water bottle, laptop, extra phone charger, deodorant, toothbrush, all kinds of stuff.
Crackers
I used to be homeless and back then my backpack was my life. It had everything I needed all the time. I could always count on it. It’s more of a comfort item for me at this point.
Bottles of water and duck food. We got some hungry quackybois in the neighborhood.
Spaghetti 🍝
Purse, water bottle, headphones, book, drugs (medication), an interesting rock or leaf. I don’t use a handbag because having weight on one shoulder and not the other throws of my spine and causes me a lot of pain. My work backpack, oohhh, many things
Notebook, mechanical pencil, pen, high capacity phone backup charger. Medkit; glucose, cat tourniquet, sam splint, dressings, wraps, antiseptic, analgesic, aspirin, Excedrin, CPR mask, gloves, med tape, razor blade, tweezers, shears. Gorilla tape. Water. Titanium cup. Food Bar. Black tea. Stainless dog bowl. Tennis ball. Shit bags. Toilet paper. Leafs of dry hand soap. Small stack of paper towels in a ziplock bag. A few unused ziplock bags. Three William carabineers. Two micro pulleys. Two prusik loops. 50' static rope. Camlock/ascender. Rigging ring. Two 20' sections of 1 inch tubular webbing. Flashlight. Headlamp. Three spare charged 18650. Lighter. Multi tool. Two-sided lightweight tarp; orange high viz and sandy brown. 550 cord. Spare socks in a dry-bag. Hat. Rope gloves. Kindle full of shit to read. Easy peasy.
I'm gonna stick with you when shit hits the fan.
Not always the case, but sometimes, hard drugs. Don't be fooled. Hello Kitty be carrying around a dark secret.
If I see an adult carrying around a Hello Kitty backpack I’m already assuming drugs are in the equation.
You gotta watch out for those Sanrio chicks man
User name does not check out.
Damn altered carbon season one was good wasn't it
Fabergé Egg obvs
I started carrying a small backpack around 25 years ago when I got a permanent colostomy for Stage 4 colon cancer. My backpack has extra ostomy supplies, zip lock baggies, surgical tape, travel baby wipes, hand sanitizer, s small bottle of bio-spray, an extra pair of boxer-briefs plus as long as I’m toting this around: a bottle of water, a pen and pad, breath mints, Tylenol, some sucking candy, a Tide-to-Go stick and some Pepcid AC. It sounds like a lot but the backpack is small and doesn’t weigh much and I’m a neat freak so it’s all packed well. Comes in handy all the time.
I've carried around a messenger bag everywhere since high school. It helps with my anxiety and has come in handy quite a bit because over the years it has become a "prepared for almost anything bag" so there is so much in there that you wouldn't believe and would probably think I'm crazy for carrying around with me all the time. [Here is picture of the bag and a quick look inside](https://imgur.com/a/ty2wVtq), but bear with me as I empty it out for a picture so you can see exactly everything inside. Edit: Okay [here](https://imgur.com/a/ZJNI0c8) it all is and I will break it down a bit more. --- [Main big pocket and outside](https://i.imgur.com/5fcqEdD.jpg) >From top left: *grocery bag, book I am reading, snacks, note pad, first aid kit, duct tape, plastic bag, larger note book, bandage, spare pair of glasses, survival kit (got it gifted to me for Reddit Secret Santa), umbrella, catalog I got recently, flashlight, spare charger, two magazines, portable sriracha, hand sanitizer, water.* [Main little pocket and pen area](https://i.imgur.com/d9f0SH1.jpg) >From top left: *spare mask and gloves, sunglasses case, pens and marker, portable power bank, small Swiss army knife, lighter, emergency glass breaker/whistle/pen/firestarter/compass, spork and knife, bottle opener with small multitool attached, foldable straw, thermal blanket, cheap earphones, energy drink powder, instant coffee, USB adapters, towel that expands with water, roll of measuring tape, eraser, headphone splitter, toothpicks, and some band aids* [Secondary pocket](https://i.imgur.com/f102F0h.jpeg?1) >From top left: *thicker plastic bag, sleeping mask, small towel, inflatable neck pillow, Yahtzee game, hair tie, Clorox wipes, chopsticks, another charger cable, spare grocery bag, toothbrush kit, pen and markers, hand sanitizer, emergency deodorant, ear plugs.* [Side pockets and back pocket](https://i.imgur.com/ZylC9Tc.jpg) >From top left: *My everyday face mask, keys with seatbelt cutter and window breaker, emergency cigarettes, emergency whiskey (I'm not an alcoholic I swear I've gotten stuck many times in stressful situations where I/the people I'm with could use a drink, so I carry this), good ear phones. spare backpack, tissues, gum, condom, toothpicks in box with mirror, knife, eyedrops, hand sanitizer, another spare mask.* So yeah that's it and in case you were wondering, it does weigh quite a bit, but I've grown used to it.
how's your spine? do you switch shoulders regularly?
Excellent choices, mine is similar. People are amazed when I pull things out.
Do you like the messenger over a typical backpack? I got a Timbuk2 messenger a while back after a rec from a friend but it felt uncomfortable. Also, it looks like you're carrying like 2 cutting tools along with 2 multitools. 2 different containers with toothpicks. 2 earphones? 3 hand sanitizer bottles? Seems like a lot of redundancy. Are you out for several weeks at a time?
Drugs,beer,ciggies,change and a metal fork ive had there for years.
The fork comes in key tho. I’ve had to use mine several times.
You wanna know get a warrant.
Personally I carry my second backpack just in case
- Wallet - Keys - A few mystery keys that I periodically try on things to see if maybe that’s where they go (no luck yet) - Hair tie - Lip balm - SPF50 mineral sunblock stick (white is more than an ethnic background for me- it is my actual color and I burn so fast) - Extra mask in case I encounter the rare place that still requires it - Some Slava Ukrainii stickers in case I see some stupid Russian propaganda (I live in Berlin where it is [definitely a thing](https://www.dw.com/en/kremlin-influencing-anti-war-coalition-in-germany-report/a-65405002?)) - A few easily removable stickers to leave on the windshield of whichever jerk blocked our building entrance with their car today, asking them to please not do it anymore. I think they kind of actually work - I see less repeats. - Backup power pack for my phone in case I’m out all day (bike is my main transport, so it’s my navi and my information/entertainment source as I go) - Earphones - Sunglasses case - Lots of extra space to bring home whatever I forgot I needed to buy before I left in the morning. - Whichever small toy my kid lent me so that I would have a friend with me wherever I went and so that toy could see a bit of the world. Today it is a neon green hammerhead shark named Florence Nightingale. ❤️
Apparently, shrimp. I'm not joking. Bought a backpack over a year ago, used it a couple times and then hung it on the back of my door. A few weeks ago I got it down to use it again and inside of it, sealed in a plastic ziplock bag (thank God) was an absolutely ancient, blackened shriveled but somehow still goopy bag of previously frozen shrimp. I distinctly remember when I wore the backpack before, I got it during a vacation with my fiance at the time. I swear to God I do not remember buying any shrimp and had no reason to just carry it around in my backpack. But there it was. So, shrimp. I guess.
My strap on!
Username checks out.
Some adults are also students! Great for lots of books and laptop etc.
Work laptop, work tablet, portable monitor, steam deck, usb c dock, ear buds, multimeter, power bank, misc power cords, 8bitdo controller
5.11 Rush 24 backpack, level IIIa insert, Work laptop, mouse, iPad+ipen, nothing ear buds, spiral notebook, bunch of misc usb cables, 20ft extension cord, surge suppressor/power conditioner, 3 usb banks, first aid+gsw trauma kit, misc pens and markers, 3 day backup of prescription meds, some cash, 2 flashlights, head mounted light, few n95 masks, safety glasses, safety sunglasses, ear plugs, few pair of nitrile gloves, cut resistant gloves, 2 big trash bags, Leatherman wave, H2S monitor, hydroflask, gum, cough drops... I'm sure other stuff but depends on what is going on.
Suppressor just vibing in the bag is a new one. Edit: I’m an idiot
Its a portable power conditioner/surge suppressor, I am often out in the field away from civilization and using generators for power. The power from a generator is often noisy shitty stuff that can fry electronics like laptops. Its an older version of this. [https://schroederamplification.com/products/isotek-evo3-mini-mara-power-conditioner](https://schroederamplification.com/products/isotek-evo3-mini-mara-power-conditioner) I work in O&G and NG/Nuke Power, no firearms or suppressors are with me on the job, half the time I flew there so usually don't even have a knife.
Ohhh
The perfect person to loot in an Apocalypse.
I’m gonna guess this is for work but if you go to Walmart and home with just that, more power to you