12 Survival Gear Items I Always Carry In My Day Pack, Even In The City

It’s amazing what our phones can do for us these days. But, of course, most of us don’t go anywhere without our phones, so this item is no surprise. However, some smartphone apps help me get around and find my way when lost.

GPS On And Roaming Enabled

This isn’t an app as much as it is a universal smartphone feature. When GPS (Global Positioning System) is enabled, it lets your phone know your location. This is very useful for getting and following directions. Search your phone to find the controls. The GPS controls are in the “Settings” menu on my ancient LG Android.

As long as you can receive a signal, roaming allows you to make calls, send texts, and use data outside your home network. However, there may be additional charges for the service. Check with your service provider.

Map Program

A map is essential for travel, but it doesn’t have to be a paper map. Your phone most likely came with a mapping program. Get to know it. Learn how to find things by name and by address. Then learn to follow the directions for walking or driving. I like Google Maps because I use it on my desktop, laptop, and phone. Each device syncs with the others, so I always have the same favorites saved no matter what I use to look at maps.

Compass

This is so helpful when the map directions say “turn east,” and you have no idea which direction east might be. My compass app also indicates the closest street address and the current longitude and latitude. If you are a geocacher, this is a great tool. Free compass apps are available on all popular app stores. Just search for “compass.”

Camera

Sure, taking photos of your travels isn’t a matter of survival. However, there are a few non-scenery pics that might turn out to be very helpful stashed in your phone’s camera. For example:

• The row number where you parked your car: I admit it, I have to do this — old timers’ memory syndrome
• The license plate of your rental vehicle; same problem as above
• Your ID, in case of loss or theft
• The front of your hotel and the street sign on which it’s located, in case of a language barrier when asking for directions

Flashlight

So handy when it’s dark, but even in the daylight, it’s excellent for helping to read the small type on maps, labels, and more.

Paperless Tickets

Today, many excursions and amusements use paperless tickets. Check your destination’s website to learn how to get and use e-tickets.

I’m a big CityPASS fan. When I visit a city where the ticket bundles are available, I load my CityPASS tickets to my phone so I can go paperless and contactless as I explore.

A couple of band-aids and some alcohol wipes in a sandwich bag can be helpful. I take one that I bought in a multi-pack. It’s small and has a plastic case. I’ve customized mine by adding a mask, hand sanitizer, and a couple of bubble-packed, over-the-counter pain relievers.

It’s the most helpful piece of cloth you will own. That’s my opinion anyway. A bandana can be used in hundreds of ways — a mask, neckerchief, head scarf, sweatband, washcloth, napkin, flag, and much more. Stash one in your pack in a sandwich bag; you’ll find a use for it your first trip out.

My little red Swiss Army Knife has admirably performed hundreds of times. The bottle opener and small knife have been the only utensils at an impromptu picnic, while the nail file has smoothed a snagged nail more than once.

Pro Tip: Remove it from your daypack before heading to the airport. It won’t make it through security.

These handy gadgets come in many styles and sizes. I use them in my day pack and handbag, for camping, and at the house. My absolute favorite is the Heroclip. This ingenious device is a carabiner but also unfolds to become a swiveling hook. I put the carabiner through the pack carry loop, unfold the hook, and hang it on a restroom door, tree branch, or on another bag.