For more years than I'd like to admit, I've been commuting via car exclusively. This lets me carry a lot of gear and be well-prepared for a number of situations that have arisen. I'm starting a new job in a week that will have me riding the commuter rail some of the time. I'll be restricted to what's in my pockets and laptop bag.

Here's what I have with me:

  • Water
  • a couple of Clif bars
  • Flashlights (a Quark 123 in my pocket, a Maratac 9290 as my primary work light, an iTP A3 EOS Upgrade, and a Fenix E01 as a final backup)
  • peanut lighter
  • Leatherman Wave (pre-2004)
  • Leatherman Squirt P4
  • screwdriver with a variety of bits
  • cable ties
  • Mini RitterGrip
  • 1-person Heatsheets survival blanket
  • Small first aid kit
  • iPhone
  • Two different ways to charge my iPhone (USB battery and USB charging cable for laptop)
  • Outerwear appropriate for walking at least a mile outdoors in the local range of weather
  • dress shoes
  • laptop, business cards, cables, adapters, notepad, pens, sharpie, blank CD-ROMs


It's all urban or suburban between work and home.

Understanding that I'm sharply limited in weight and bulk, what should I add to this list?