What’s with the bag?

After years of traveling alone and with kids, coupled with being in route with kids constantly, I have come to realize there are certain things you need handy. Also, I do not like stopping at the drug store.

Update After March 2020: This bag has come more in handy than we ever planned during the pandemic. We have everything we need for both treating sickness and prevention in one portable spot. We are now ready for phased opening outings, hurricanes and murder hornets…

A few years ago I collected all the items I picked up along the way (and actually used) putting them together to create our go-to kids necessity bag. Now that we have it, I’m not sure how we went without it. It makes packing for trips an absolute breeze and I’ve been able to steer clear of emergency pharmacy visits since. My husband loves it and takes it on all his outings with the kids – stuffing in waters and snacks for a day pack. I drag it along as a personal item on the plane (again filling with snacks and ipads). The rest of the time it sits in the front seat of my car.

Simple & versatile backpack

Details:

  • Lightweight and small – super slim profile.
  • Fits an insane amount of stuff.
  • Opens flat (all the way) – seriously!
  • Easy to carry around on day trips, on the plane and in the car.
  • My husband normally wears it (bonus).
  • Everyone knows I have it and so it’s expected.
  • Made by a small family business.

Find it here at Walker Family Goods (this is the second style bag we purchased from them). Most any bag will due for getting the stuff together – You may already have a favorite pack. I do highly recommend this one for all the details above. I don’t do bulky but need space.

What’s inside?

  • The Main pocket has a “Homemade First Aid” bag and sanitizing wipes. The rest of the main pocket space we leave for waters, snacks, books, iPads or whatever that particular trip warrants.
    • Inside the First Aid Bag
      • Tylenol
      • Adult and children’s ibuprofen (small containers)
      • Benadryl, Claritin
      • Pink Bismuth chewable tabs
      • Eye drops
      • Rich hydrating cream
      • Hydrocortisone
      • Ginger tabs
      • Neosporin
      • Bacitracin packets
      • Digital thermometer
      • Pulse oximeter
  • The Front inside pockets are filled with:
    • Lip balms
    • Bug repellent
    • Reusable straws
    • Face masks
    • Flushable wipes
    • Bandaids of every size pile and dressings
    • Mini saline wash
    • Dental floss
    • On Guard Oil
    • A tick remover
    • Nail clippers
    • Tiny scissors
    • Cough drops
    • Tissues
    • Mini flashlights (bonus: the kids play with these often)
    • Hair ties, various chargers, zip-lock of crayons, pen/pencil, a small notebook, some makeup and Tampax.

No kidding, all this crap fits in this bag with room for extras. Can you now see why packing for trips is so easy? Everything someone might “need” is already in there! Check it every couple months to restock or switch items out. Basically, set it and forget it!

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive list of in home emergency supplies, similar to our home hurricane box, check out the CDC’s Emergency Kit Checklist.

Travel with kids
Opens flat and packed up with room to spare

Because we’re not always on top of things, we’ve also added an emergency numbers basics list post. This little gem has kept us from fumbling for much needed numbers in stressful situations. Basically, we look like we have our shit together way more than we actually do!