Supply Bags for Daily Use
An Everyday Bag
I carry a variety of materials for my own and others’ health, safety, and convenience. I carry my everyday bag with me always, as it contains the basic necessities to get me through my personal, teaching, and racetrack lives.
MaterialS and Methods
Baggallini Bag
I spent years trying to find bags of suitable quality and size, and this has been the best to date. It came with a detachable purse strap, which I never use. The back has two sewn-on loops so I can attach it to my belt. The sewn-on feature is essential for my role on the Fire/Safety team at the racetrack because the bag will not accidentally come unattached when I am working on a car or the course. Similarly, the zippers are of good quality and prevent materials from falling out of the bag… Also essential!
Pocket #1
MaterialS and Methods
Chapstick
Extra Hair Tie
The hair tie is silicone, so it’s more heat resistant for my work at the auto races.
Pocket #2
Materials and Methods
Leatherman Raptor Tool
The Raptor tool is for racetrack work, as I can cut off clothing, slice through seatbelts, and use the carbide tip to break windows.
Leatherman Wave Tool
I did a ton of research on Leatherman knives, and the Wave had all the features I need for everyday use: knife, pliers, screwdrivers, saw, and scissors.
Nitrile Gloves (2 Pairs)
Always use standard precautions!
Pocket #3
Materials
Bank Card
Business Cards
Emergency $20
IDs (Drivers License, Emergency Contact Information, EMT IDs, and Insurance Card)
Medications: Presciptions plus over-the-counter, to account for both emergencies and comfort as needed away from home and stores:
2 X 24 hour non-drowsy antihistamines
2 X Benadryl (drowsy antihistamines)
2 X aspirin (general pain or heart attack)
2 X ibuprofen (general pain)
2 X Excedrin (migraines)
2 X pseudephedrine (decongestant)
Pocket #4
Materials
Rollerball Pen
Sharpie with Thin and Wider Points
Tiny Notebook
Pocket #5
Materials
Fun Items
Safety Pins
Methods
I used to redistribute pennies I found by putting them out wherever I stopped my car. One of these locations was at the gas stations at the car races when I went to get fuel samples for testing. Later I started noticing pennies! Have others picked up on my idea? The races seem like a good place for some extra luck.
The NASCAR lug nut is one I found outside the drag tower after one of the NASCAR races. It was either flung up from a car on the pit lane or lost by a car on the front straight. Either way, a long distance to travel by a hot, relatively heavy item, and a good reminder to be vigiliant and keep your head on a swivel always.
Raceway challenge coin… Because it was available to Fire/Safety team members and I love my job!
Everyone can use safety pins at some point! The giant one can double up for self-defense.
Back of the bag.
Materials and Methods
Caribiner
The large caribiner is perfect for carrying this bag in my hand or attaching it to a belt loop to go hands-free. When I’m at the races, it is attached separately to my belt so I can access the knife quickly.
Gerber Pocketknife
I’ve had the knife for about 30 years! It’s easy to sharpen to your prefered levels of sharpness and is perfect for daily use.
2. Bag for Carrying on the Trail While Teaching
It’s helpful to have supplies in one bag (as opposed to in individual backpack pockets) that’s preferably water resistant. I found mine on sale somewhere on the internet.
Materials and Methods
Alcohol Prep Pad
I wouldn’t normally carry this, but I had it extra. I’m sure it’ll come in handy one day.
Charger and USB Lightning Cord, Charged
To recharge my phone. Please do make sure the phone is fully charged at the beginning of the day. It may help to close apps, turn off wi-fi, and/or take fewer videos to conserve the phone’s battery.
Chest Seal
Cold Packs - 2
Dining Utensil Set
Emergency Snack Bar
In case you didn’t plan to use up so much energy and run out of food.
Forms- Park Permit, Accident Report Forms, and Children’s Contact and Medical Insurance Forms
Gauze Pad and Roll
Glucose
Hot Hands Body Super Warmer - 2
These are great for putting one under the hat on super cold days.
Hot Hands Hand Warmers - 2 Sets
Great to put in front pockets to help warm the entire body.
Kleenex
Maxi Pad, Panty Liner, and Tampon
Medical Tape
Saline Rinse
Spare Camera Battery
Triangular Bandage
Ziplock of Band-Aids
Ziplock of Disposable Gloves
Ziplock of Paper Towels
Ziplock of Plastic Bags
Use plastic bags for litter cleanup, a barrier for sitting on a wet surface, picking up poop accidents, or anything else!
Methods
The simplest way to care for minor wounds on the trail is to wash with saline rinse, pat dry with paper towels, and apply a band-aid.
3. School Backpack
On the outside:
Analog watch with day and date
Jingle bells
Emergency whistle
Mesh bags of supplies (see below)
On the inside:
Tripod
Matches
Chapter book
My food and beverage, plus all listed above.
Materials and Methods
1) Mechanical pencils, for grid paper, dry erase markers for plastic case, both on outside of bag for art that's not going into the kids' journals, nylon thread for help in making stop-motion animations with the school camera,
2) Dissecting kit and magnifying glass,
3) Knives, scissors, multitool, and staple remover (for removing staples from picnic tables, an occasional favorite activity),
4) Metal ruler (imperial and metric) and variety of dice,
5) Plastic and soapstone animals,
6) Rope.
Methods
I’m currently carrying six mesh bags attached to caribiners to the outside of my backpack. These are so the supplies are readily available for my students to use, and can wash and dry easily in addition to allowing the supplied to be readily visible. These can be tossed over branches if desired.
By Heather Taylor, teachoutside@gmail.com. You are welcome to share all materials with credit to her.