Emergencies have a way of happening at the worst possible time. You might be at work, visiting family, staying in a hotel, or halfway through a road trip when something unexpected happens.
That’s a good reason to keep a few emergency supplies with you whenever you leave home. You probably don’t have room for your entire bug-out bag, especially if you’re traveling by plane or trying to pack light. But a small pouch, backpack, purse, or toiletry bag can hold plenty of useful items.
The idea isn’t to carry your whole household with you. A handful of compact supplies can help you deal with common problems involving injuries, weather, food, water, communication, and basic comfort.
Here are 18 items worth keeping in your travel gear.
1. Hygiene Kit
A few basic hygiene supplies can make a long delay or unexpected overnight stay much more comfortable. Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
Most of these probably already have a place in your suitcase, so keeping a small backup kit ready can save you from having to gather everything at the last minute.
2. Compact Survival Kit
A small survival kit can fit into a tin or pouch and hold several useful items. Depending on your needs, you might include fishing line and hooks, a fire starter, cordage, a small sewing kit, and basic first aid supplies.
An empty Altoids tin is a handy option for making your own compact kit. It is small enough to slip into a backpack, glove compartment, or coat pocket while still leaving room for a few basics.
3. First Aid Kit
You don’t need a large medical bag for everyday travel. A compact first aid kit can cover many minor cuts, scrapes, blisters, and headaches.
Pack adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, and pain relievers. If you take prescription medication, bring enough for your trip and keep it stored safely.
Having these basics within reach can save you a trip to a store when you need something right away.
4. Fire Starter
A fire can provide warmth and help with cooking or signaling in certain emergencies. A lighter, waterproof matches, and a magnesium fire starter are all small enough to pack in many travel bags.
If you’re flying, check the current airline and airport rules before packing any fire-starting item. Some are restricted or prohibited in carry-on or checked luggage.
Related: 15 Fire Starting Tricks to Ignite Your Survival Skills
5. Emergency Blanket
An emergency blanket takes up very little room but can be useful if you’re suddenly exposed to cold weather.
It can help retain body heat, provide a barrier between you and wet or cold ground, or serve as a temporary cover. The reflective material can also help make you more visible if you’re trying to attract attention.
6. Paracord
A few yards of paracord can come in handy for securing equipment, tying down gear, making temporary repairs, or putting together a basic shelter.
If you’re short on space, paracord bracelets and keychains offer an easy way to carry some without adding much weight to your bag.
7. Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife
A multi-tool can replace several individual tools and take up much less space. Depending on the model, you may have scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, a bottle opener, and other useful tools in one compact item.
A Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife can be handy for road trips, camping, and everyday repairs. If you’re flying, check the rules before packing a knife or multi-tool.
8. Multi-Purpose Food
A few snacks can make a big difference if you get delayed, miss a meal, or can’t easily find food.
Protein bars, nuts, jerky, and other shelf-stable foods are easy to carry. If you’re going somewhere that allows it, freeze-dried meals can also be useful.
Pick foods that can be eaten without cooking and that you already know you’ll enjoy.
9. Portable Charger/Power Bank
Your phone can help you contact family, check directions, access travel information, or call for assistance, but none of that matters if the battery is dead.
A small power bank gives you an extra source of battery life for your phone and other compatible devices. Don’t forget the correct charging cable, and charge the power bank before leaving home.
10. Waterproof Clothing
Weather can change quickly, especially when you’re traveling somewhere unfamiliar. A lightweight rain jacket or compact poncho can keep you dry without taking up much room.
If you don’t have space for full rain gear, disposable ponchos are inexpensive and easy to pack. In a genuine emergency, a clean heavy-duty trash bag can provide temporary rain protection, though proper rain gear is much more comfortable and durable.
11. Portable Flashlight or Headlamp
A flashlight can become one of your most useful travel items during a nighttime power outage or unexpected delay.
LED lights are a good choice because they provide plenty of light while using relatively little battery power. A headlamp is especially handy because it leaves both hands free.
A tiny keychain flashlight also makes a convenient backup.
12. Maps and Compass
GPS is convenient, but phones and navigation devices depend on batteries and functioning networks. A paper map of the area you’re visiting gives you another way to find your location and plan a route.
A small compass takes almost no room. Even a basic button compass can be useful, provided you know how to use it.
If you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar, spend a little time learning the basics before your trip rather than waiting until you’re lost.
13. Cash and Small Change
A power outage or network problem can make card payments and electronic payment systems unavailable. ATMs may also be difficult to access.
Keep some cash in your travel bag, preferably in smaller bills. A few coins can also be useful for vending machines, parking, or other small purchases.
You don’t need to carry a large amount. Just keep enough for basic expenses if electronic payment stops working.
14. Whistle
A whistle can be heard much farther away than a person shouting, which makes it useful for attracting attention.
A small emergency whistle weighs almost nothing and can be attached to your backpack, keychain, or another place where you can reach it quickly.
It can be particularly handy if you’re hiking, camping, or traveling through an unfamiliar outdoor area.
15. Sunscreen and Bug Repellent
Sunburn and insect bites can turn an otherwise pleasant trip into a miserable one. A small bottle of sunscreen and insect repellent takes up little space and can be useful if you spend unexpected time outside.
If you don’t want to pack a full can of bug spray, repellent wipes are another option that fits easily into a small travel pouch.
16. Duct Tape
Duct tape has a long list of practical uses. It can patch a torn backpack, secure loose gear, cover a small tear, or hold something together until you can make a proper repair.
A full roll can take up more room than necessary, so wrap several feet around a small card, bottle, or other compact item before putting it in your travel kit.
17. Water Purification System
Safe drinking water becomes a major concern if you’re stranded somewhere or your usual water source isn’t available.
Purification tablets, portable water filters, and filtering straws are all compact options. Each type works differently, so check the product instructions to know what contaminants it can remove or treat.
Never assume that a clear-looking water source is safe to drink.
Related: 10 Reliable Ways to Purify Water Every Prepper Should Know
18. Backup Identification
Losing your wallet, ID, or passport while traveling can make an already stressful situation much harder.
Keep copies of your passport, government ID, travel insurance information, emergency contacts, and other important documents in a waterproof pouch. Digital copies stored securely can provide another backup.
If you’re traveling internationally, check the entry and identification requirements for your destination before leaving.
A small travel emergency kit doesn’t need to take over your luggage. Pick supplies that fit your destination, transportation, weather, and planned activities. A few carefully chosen items can give you useful options if your trip doesn’t go according to plan.
