# What's Always In your Purse/Pockets/Bag? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 6, 2010, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546 "2010-05-06T20:04:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/21 "2010-05-07T02:15:34Z")
> [@Angua](#): > > Blood glucose meter, insulin pens (and needles), glucose tablets, crackers & peanut butter, and an umbrella. I don’t leave home without any of those! That sounds like my daughter’s bag! 🙂 My purse… less than average things… A combination lock (for the gym) A copy of Nutrition in the Fast Lane (for calorie and carb counting at restaurants) Pass the Pigs A small atlas A box cutter ---
**Author:** ![kopek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kopek/32/337_2.png) [@kopek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kopek)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/22 "2010-05-07T02:20:37Z")
Nitro (the medical kind). a pocket knife and a couple speedloaders. ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/23 "2010-05-07T02:26:00Z")
> [@Juliana](#): > > That sounds like my daughter’s bag! 🙂 🙂 I don’t know how your daughter feels about it, but it makes going out a complete pain in the backside! ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/24 "2010-05-07T02:54:09Z")
Keys, wallet, pen, cell phone. The wallet contains folding money, driver’s license, credit and insurance cards. That’s it. ---
**Author:** ![umop\_ap\_sdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/dbc845/32.png) [@umop\_ap\_sdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/umop_ap_sdn)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/25 "2010-05-07T04:08:12Z")
Certain items I only carry in my pockets, never my purse unless absolutely necessary. This way if my purse is ever snatched, the hypothetical bandit won’t leave me without: - Cell phone - Car keys - House keys - Driver’s license, debit card, etc. I bring a quite large purse to work with me and I’ve actually been meaning to audit the contents see what needs to be in there and what I can put away in safe keeping. So my gratitude goes out to this thread for getting me off my butt and getting this done. 🙂 So here’s what made the cut: - Hairbrush & comb - Migraine meds - Pain meds (I’m currently recovering from surgery) - Small amount of cash for vending machines - Assortment of pens - Mechanical pencil - Hand sanitizer - Deodorant stick, in case I forget on my way out the door - Breath mints - Miscellaneous small candies/cough drops/whatever - USB drive - Nail clippers - Lip balm - Hand mirror - Little one-week container for prescription meds, since I can’t remember to take them before I leave. :smack: - Cellphone charger - Microphone - A few pairs of inexpensive earrings - Bi pride bracelet I am such a packrat! :eek: Runs in the family I swear. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/26 "2010-05-07T04:36:37Z")
Juliana: I LOVE pass the pigs! I would love to sit next to you on an airplane. Makin’ Bacon! ---
**Author:** ![lshaw](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e36b37/32.png) [@lshaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lshaw)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/27 "2010-05-07T05:16:57Z")
[ul] [li] **Camera** - I’m living in a foreign country and still in the honeymoon phase, I guess. Every day, there’s at least one thing that fascinates me enough for me to whip out my camera and start snapping away or filming.[/li][li] **Electronic dictionary/translator** - comes in handy[/li][li] **Commuter pass for JR** - saves me A LOT of money when I’m going my usual route[/li][li] **Extra memory card** - Videos take up a lot of space[/li] **Hand sanitizer** - The food is so good here that I want to be ready… I’m down to eating anywhere at a second’s notice. :D[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![missred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/missred/32/14096_2.png) [@missred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missred)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/28 "2010-05-07T05:53:57Z")
My atypical list is camera - you never know when you want to take a better pic than one on your phone batteries - for the camera old school date book - when I quit carrying a PDA, this became my option for remembering appointments until I get to my computer and put them in Outlook. breath mints - I drink coffee and smoke, need I say more? cigarettes and lighter - always the lighter, cigs only if I’ll be out more than a couple of hours. hand sanitizer - self explanatory on my keyring - besides keys, a mini-flashlight and nail clippers meds - recent addition, one days’ worth work ID - my badge to get me around at work No wonder my bag has gotten progressively bigger over the years. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![EvilTOJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee59a6/32.png) [@EvilTOJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EvilTOJ)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/29 "2010-05-07T07:44:55Z")
Here’s my list of 5, adjusting for extra large values of 5. I have a keyring that I keep atypical stuff on that doesn’t actually have any keys on it. Here’s what I keep on it. Leatherman Blast Pepper spray (only for if I’m downtown at night, it transfers to a pocket) [Peanut lighter](http://www.countycomm.com/sslight.htm) (I love this thing!) p-51 can opener (because it’s easier to use than the one on the Leatherman) anodized aluminum bottle opener (because the seat belt buckle does a crap job of opening beers) Buck knife (because everyone needs a knife) pen on a keyring (it’s handy) flash drive (for intermittent piracy and file transfers) small flashlight I also have a fully stocked travel toiletry bag in my [del]purse[/del] ManBag Of Awesome because I’m scatterbrained and will forget to do that stuff before I leave the house. Many a time I have been seen brushing my teeth in traffic. Then the usual suspects; wallet keys phone workbadge ---
**Author:** ![Rala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/8797f3/32.png) [@Rala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rala)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/30 "2010-05-07T10:06:26Z")
As well as the usual ID and bank cards, I have a blood donor card, working with children clearance and membership of a science fiction club. Two books. I can’t just take one - what if I finish it? An eyebrow pencil. Only atypical because of the purpose - I carry it because I need it to mark muscles and bones on my classmates during surface anatomy labs, and if I tried taking it out on the days I don’t need it I’d never find it again. A large notebook. A date book which I never use. ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 10:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/31 "2010-05-07T10:22:25Z")
[ul] [li]Pocket knife[/li][li]Coins[/li][li]Chapstick[/li]Complete set of keys in both front pockets (in case I lock myself out of the car or house).[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Khaki\_Campbell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9de053/32.png) [@Khaki\_Campbell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khaki_Campbell)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/32 "2010-05-07T10:47:06Z")
[ul] [li]Wallet[/li][li]GPS[/li][li]Flask with 80-proof (at minimum) booze[/li][li]Hand-sanitizer[/li][li]Rubbers.[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![Khendrask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3e96dc/32.png) [@Khendrask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khendrask)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/33 "2010-05-07T11:50:43Z")
[ul] [li]Wallet[/li][li]Knife[/li][li]Cellphone[/li][li]Multi-bit screwdriver[/li][li]6" Channel Locks.[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/34 "2010-05-07T12:37:17Z")
> [@GilaB](#): > > A > Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation barrier mask Is this in case you need to be resuscitated, or in case you need to resuscitate someone? In either case, has it ever been necessary? ---
**Author:** ![Perciful](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/b38774/32.png) [@Perciful](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Perciful)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/35 "2010-05-07T12:46:51Z")
> [@Perciful](#): > > A couple books > My Magnificat > My wallet > Mace/ keys > cell phone > puzzle book > pens > lipstick/chapstick > reading glasses/ sunglasses > gum > tissues > hand lotion > sunscreen > address book > notepad > snacks > towlettes > hand sanitizer > cough drops > small bottle of Motrin > nail clipper > bobby pins Oops, I forgot I always carry a small bottle of Holy Water, just in case. ---
**Author:** ![Sigmagirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c89c15/32.png) [@Sigmagirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigmagirl)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/36 "2010-05-07T13:03:54Z")
I currently have my digital camera, which I don’t always carry but have gotten in the habit. Also: Checkbook Calendar Business card case Imitrex injection kit Wallet Bag containing lipstick, Leatherman tool, nail file, Maxalt pills, allergy eye drops iPod Reading glasses ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/37 "2010-05-07T13:24:56Z")
I forgot: Tampons and pads. Headache survival stuff . Pens & note pads. ---
**Author:** ![bearman217](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e4f/32.png) [@bearman217](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bearman217)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/38 "2010-05-07T14:26:18Z")
I was a boyscout, so I like to always be prepared for any situation. My pockets contain the following odd items. 1. multitool (you never know when you need to cut something or screw something) 2. my dog’s tag (she died when I was in high school, so I like to keep a memento of her) 3. nail clippers (I have one really thick toenail and like to file it at least once a day) 4. USB drive (I enjoy writing little stories in my spare time and don’t like to hunt for my USB) 5. tic-tacs (In case I have a last minute bad breath alert situation) ---
**Author:** ![Ann\_Onimous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ea5d25/32.png) [@Ann\_Onimous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ann_Onimous)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/39 "2010-05-07T14:41:52Z")
> [@Angua](#): > > 🙂 I don’t know how your daughter feels about it, but it makes going out a complete pain in the backside! It does, but ya get used to it. I don’t think she has a second thought about it. I’m the one that has to make sure she has everything! 🙂 > [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > I LOVE pass the pigs! I would love to sit next to you on an airplane. Makin’ Bacon! Makin’ Bacon isn’t in the rules anymore. Only us old timers who remember that rule still use it. We rolled it one time, and both kids were mortified. It was great! ---
**Author:** ![Angua](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8baadc/32.png) [@Angua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angua)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2010, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546/40 "2010-05-07T14:51:55Z")
> [@Juliana](#): > > It does, but ya get used to it. I don’t think she has a second thought about it. I’m the one that has to make sure she has everything! 🙂 That’s what mums are for! 😉 Alas, I have to look after it all myself and make sure I have everything. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve driven home from work because I’ve forgotten something. Or the fun of trying to fit everything into a bag smaller than my work bag for when I want to go out dancing! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-always-in-your-purse-pockets-bag/538546.md?page=3)