12 Essential Products to Keep in Your Bag at All Times

Pretty much everyone has been out and about and faced something they weren't prepared for, whether it was a gait-busting blister or a cringe-inducing wardrobe malfunction. But disaster doesn't have to strike! With these items in your bag, you’ll never be unprepared again.

1. SMIRTI Canvas Bag; $13

First things first: A bag to keep all of your essentials secure and in one place so they’re easy to find. We like this one because it’s big and because it’s made of canvas, so you can hand wash it if it gets dirty.

Find it: Amazon

2. Scotch Essentials Instant Buttons; $7 for Four

You never want to find yourself in the embarrassing situation of being down a button with no way to fix it. Scotch’s Instant Buttons do away with the needle and thread—all you have to do is place the fallen button on the sticky surface of the pin, then stick the pin through your shirt and secure it with the provided backing. Lost your button? No problem: The pack comes with four buttons.

This isn’t the only wardrobe malfunction-busting product Scotch has made: The company's wardrobe strips, white mark eraser, and adjustable hem tape are on-the-go essentials, too.

Find it: Amazon

3. Baggu Bag; $12

Keeping a bag in your bag might seem silly, but you never know when you might have to lug a bunch of things home from the office or the grocery store. Baggu offers nylon bags in a variety of bright prints for every personality.

Find it: Amazon

4. Brush On Block Powder Sunscreen; $32

Applying sunscreen before you leave the house is great, but its protective effects will likely wear off by your lunch break. Experts recommend reapplying sunscreen every two hours to protect your body’s largest organ from harmful UV rays. Keep this reef-friendly, vegan powder sunblock in your bag for those times when you need to reapply on the run (and don’t forget to dust your scalp and ears!).

Find it: Amazon

5. Zeiss Pre-Moistened Lens Wipes; $7 for 80

Sometimes, breathing on your glasses and wiping them with a cloth just doesn’t do the trick. These wipes from Zeiss will leave your lenses crystal clear.

Find it: Amazon

6. Band-Aid Family Pack; $13 for 280 Bandages

No one wants to get caught with a cut and no way to cover it up. This 280-package of various sizes and fabrics will keep you covered no matter what, or where, the injury.

Find it: Amazon

7. Compeed Blister Cushions; $17 for 10

Sometimes, a regular bandage isn’t enough to take on a blister. Instead of limping along, make sure you have these cushioned gel blister bandages in your bag. Each case holds two pads for heels, two for the side of the foot, and one patch for the toe; the waterproof patches fit like a second skin, keeping the blister protected from dirt and bacteria and providing comfort.

Find it: Amazon

8. Everyone Hand Sanitizer; $15 for Six 2-Ounce Bottles

Not all hand sanitizers need to smell like the doctor’s office and leave your hands feeling extra dry. Instead, combat germs with these cruelty-free gels, which are rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon. They’re made with plant-based glycerin, jojoba oil, and essential oils, so they smell delicious and leave your hands soft.

Find it: Amazon

8. Kleenex Packets; $9 for Six

These packets—which are slim enough to fit in the pocket of your jeans—have “very attractive multi pattern packages [to] bring out your personality,” according to one Amazon listing. Patterned packaging or no, you’ll want these on hand in the event of a runny nose.

Find it: Amazon (also available in packs of 18)

9. Portable Phone Fan; $10 for Four

Yes, it seems silly. But should you find yourself stuck on a sweltering subway platform, or just out and about in a place with no breeze, you’ll be thankful you have this little phone fan in your bag. Just plug it into your Lightning port and feel instantly cooler. (If you’d prefer to listen to music and pretend to be Beyoncé, might we suggest this necklace fan?)

Find it: Amazon

10. Oral B-Floss; $6 for Two

There’s nothing worse than having something stuck in your teeth and not being able to get it out. If you have floss in your bag, you’ll never have to worry.

Find it: Amazon

11. Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle; $26 to $32

You might not necessarily need to drink eight glasses of water a day, but staying hydrated is still important. This water bottle will ensure you always have a vessel to prevent parchedness, and packs down small for when you’re not using it. (It’s great for travel, too!)

Find it: Amazon

12. Bamboo Cutlery and Straw Set; $13

Maybe your city has banned plastic straws and utensils, or maybe you want to do your part to help the environment. Either way, consider keeping a handy pair of reusable utensils in your bag. This set from Bambooster has two knives, two forks, two spoons, and two pairs of chopsticks, and two reusable straws with cleaners—all for just $13.

Find it: Amazon

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