What’s in Your Bag?
The Essentials We Carry to Feel Safe
Everyone has baggage. But what’s really inside says a lot more than just “I’m organized” or “Please send help” - it’s a characterization of the bag-haver’s needs and sense of what’s needed. What’s inside says a lot about who we are, where we’re headed, and what survival looks like in a world that often feels unpredictable.
Of course, your bag can be more than just a carrier. It’s a personal - and sometimes personalized - toolkit for navigating city streets, or weekend trips, or whatever life throws your way.
So here’s the spoiler alert: carrying more stuff isn’t the answer.
Carrying the right stuff is.
Why Do We Carry Bags at All?
Your Spine
wishes you well.
Bags aren’t just about hauling gear. They’re about a sense of control and comfort in an uncertain world. Whether it’s having the latest gadget for tech-life on the go, a pocket compact or spellbook, or that emergency solar-powered battery panel, to charge your water purity tester - such items are lifelines.
Such items are symbols of our values. We carry sustainable water bottles to cut plastic waste. We bring chargers to stay connected, since digital survival is real - and sometimes we carry portable snacks, cause hunger is also travel-ready.
The Core Essentials: What You Really Need
Here’s the no-nonsense list of what goes into the bag that keeps you safe and ready — without the excess:
Water bottle: Preferably reusable and BPA-free. Hydration is non-negotiable.
Multi-tool or Sewing Kit: Handy for unexpected fixes or emergencies. (Not for plane-travel)
Portable phone charger: Your phone is your lifeline.
First aid basics: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
Snack or energy bar: Something lightweight but powerful.
Compact jacket or blanket: Weather changes, often without warning.
Notebook and pen: For ideas, reminders, or emergency notes.
Masks and sanitizer: Health essentials, pandemic or not.
Now, let’s break down the essentials that every well-packed bag should have. These aren’t random items — they’re carefully chosen tools that cover your basic needs, physical safety, and even your mental ease.
Water bottle: Staying hydrated is foundational to feeling good and staying alert. A reusable, BPA-free bottle not only keeps you healthy but helps cut down on single-use plastic bottles, a major environmental problem. For example, the average American uses about 167 disposable water bottles a year — imagine the impact if you ditch even half of those.
Multi-tools: This might seem old-school, but a compact multi-tool can solve unexpected problems — from tightening a loose screw to opening a stuck package. It’s a survival Swiss Army knife in your pocket, making you ready for everyday fixes or emergencies.
Portable chargers: In today’s digital age, your phone is your lifeline — navigation, communication, emergency calls, and even digital boarding passes depend on it. AND it’s not the only thing that might need a charge (earbuds, shaver, toothbrush, whathaveyou). A lightweight power bank is truly a game-changer - particularly when the game is Westworldian.
First aid basics: You don’t need a full medical kit, but a few band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and some pain relievers can be a lifesaver. Cuts, scrapes, headaches — small issues that could ruin your day if you’re unprepared.
Snack / energy bar: When hunger strikes unexpectedly, it’s great to have a healthy, compact snack ready. Think nuts, dried fruit, or an energy bar — enough to keep you going without weighing down your bag.
Compact jacket or blanket: Weather is famously unpredictable. A light, packable rain jacket can keep you dry without adding bulk. It’s an investment in comfort and avoiding the miserable soggy-day blues.
Notebook and pen: In an era dominated by screens, pen and paper remain surprisingly powerful. Use them for jotting down ideas, directions, or emergency info if your devices fail.
Masks and sanitizer: Public health has reshaped what “essentials” mean. Even post-pandemic, carrying a mask and hand sanitizer is smart — they’re quick defenses against germs in crowded spaces.
Each item is chosen not just for utility, but also for sustainability and mindfulness, reflecting a commitment to responsible living.
Checklist:
Checked.
Bag Choices Matter: Your Toolkit’s Home
Having the right essentials is only half the story — how you carry them makes all the difference.
Your bag should be a reliable partner — durable, comfortable, and smartly designed to keep you organized. As InterScouts we know, it’s about more than just utility: we want bags that honor the planet.
A bag is only as good as its design. It has to carry these essentials comfortably, stay durable, and ideally, align with your values. We care about conscious consumerism and sustainability -
That’s why we’re digging bags like the Nomatic Navigator — engineered for organization, durability, and urban style. Or the Solgaard Lifepack, which combines solar power and anti-theft tech for the modern traveler who cares. And the Boundary Supply Errant Backpack, modular and rugged for those who want flexibility and eco-friendly materials.
Each offers smart compartments, weather resistance, and sustainable construction — because your bag should work as hard as you do, without costing the planet.
Consider the Nomatic Navigator Backpack — designed with modular compartments so you can customize your setup, from tech gadgets to hydration packs. It’s water-resistant and built with rugged materials that last for years, reducing waste from frequent replacements.
Or the Solgaard Lifepack, which stands out with built-in solar panels to charge your devices on the go, and anti-theft features that protect your gear and data. Solar power is a game-changer for eco-conscious travelers, cutting reliance on grid electricity and portable chargers.
Then there’s the Boundary Supply Errant Backpack, modular and made with Bluesign-certified fabrics. It’s flexible enough for city commutes and weekend hikes alike, giving you versatility without compromising eco-standards.
Each of these bags isn’t just a carrier; they’re engineered tools that enhance your daily life, cut environmental impact, and help you stay safe and prepared. When you invest in a quality bag like these, you’re saying no to fast fashion and planned obsolescence.
Safety Isn’t Just Physical — It’s Digital Too
In today’s world, safety isn’t only about what you carry on the outside — it’s also about protecting what’s inside your devices and data. Identity theft, digital pickpocketing, and cybercrime are very real threats, especially when you’re on the move.
That’s why many modern bags have evolved to include RFID-blocking pockets. These specialized compartments shield your credit cards, passports, and ID badges from unauthorized scans by thieves using RFID skimmers. It’s like having an invisible shield guarding your most sensitive information.
But digital safety goes beyond RFID blocking. Bags designed with secure, zippered compartments and hidden pockets make it harder for pickpockets to access your valuables in crowded places. Some even come with slash-proof fabrics to prevent bag slashing, a common tactic for theft.
For travelers and commuters who carry laptops, tablets, or cameras, bags with padded, tech-specific compartments provide extra protection against physical damage — and peace of mind knowing your gear is secure and organized.
When you invest in a bag built for digital and physical security, you’re safeguarding your day-to-day life, your identity, and your work. That’s a modern kind of freedom that every Inter Scout deserves.
Pack Smart, Live Free
Your bag is more than a container — it’s your personal freedom kit. When packed smartly with essentials that serve real needs, it frees you from the anxiety of “What if?” and empowers you to take on any day, city, or situation with confidence.
But freedom doesn’t come from lugging around everything. It comes from intentional choices — selecting the right gear and carrying only what truly matters.
The right bag holds the right essentials without weighing you down or costing the planet. It should support your lifestyle, reflect your values, and adapt to your unique journey.
If you’re ready to upgrade your daily carry, check out the Nomatic Navigator, the Solgaard Lifepack, or the Boundary Supply Errant Backpack. These bags combine sustainable materials, thoughtful design, and advanced features that keep you organized, protected, and stylish — no matter where life takes you.
Pack smart. Stay ready. Live free.
