Because of limited options where I live, punting tends to be an all day travel event. And because I'm traveling on foot and rail, I've needed to refine my PDC (Punting Day Carry) to be as small and as light as possible, while still having everything that I might need. So this is my current PDC which I hope helps others, and likewise, any feedback and ideas would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure many of you have some great ideas.
Hidden Image/Members OnlyTablet (mini size): I use a tablet for a large view map, tube station map, and large screenshots with profile details and notes. And less essentially for games and other entertainment while traveling. The tablet is incredibly useful for this purpose, and the large view is easy to read for old eyes. The downside is that using the tablet on the go has been incredibly inconvenient due to its bulk, not fitting easily in pockets, and being time consuming to get out. I might replace this with a Phablet.
Punting phone: This is the essential punting phone for contacting WGs. Initially I used a cheap punting phone, but since upgraded to a cheap smart phone, hoping to replace the Tablet. But unfortunately the screen is too small for my eyes to use the map and read the AW profile and notes. As mentioned above, I might upgrade to a Phablet, which is of intermediate size between a phone and tablet, and can perform the functions of both. For more info on punting phones in general, search the forum for "punting phone".
Pre-paid Credit Card: From my reading, pre-paid credit cards can be used for point of sale purchases, cash out from the issuing bank's ATMs, and for online purchases. This is a backup for additional cash and purchases, and seems safer than a debit card if trying to remain totally incognito.
Cash: Just enough cash for the punt, possible extras, and a meal. Some coinage if visiting a Soho walkup, or for pay toilets if needed.
Oyster card/travel card: For transport on the Underground.
Punting Wallet (not shown): A thin, punting wallet to hold the cash, prepaid credit card, coins, and anything else. This punting wallet contains no IDs or personal info. This is another item for those trying to remain totally incognito.
Lightweight Hygiene Kit: Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and interdental brush. Chapstick and breathmints. Handwipes. To reduce the size of the hygiene kit further, I might try teethwipes, but I don't know if they work adequately compared to brushing. (Also, I don't bring the whole roll of floss, just a couple strings.)
Pill box: Small pill box for
Viagra/Cialis, and vitamins to replenish with the post-punt meal. I would like to find something with less chance of spilling, and less obvious as I take the Viagra en route on the tube. Too bad the pills don't fit in a Pez Dispensor, but they might fit special dispensing mint box.
Arginine and Citruline (AC) powder: I'm currently keeping these as dry powders in a small empty bottle, 1.5-3 grams each. Approximately 30 minutes before the punt I add water, shake to dissolve, and drink. Although the bottle is small, it's still annoying to carry, so I might try to make "AC sugar packets" to add to a small store bought drink.
Small water bottle: This is essential, but currently one of the more annoying things to carry.
Any suggestions? Punting watch: I've found a punting watch to be essential for easily keeping track of time, both while ensuring that I get to the punt and call on time, as well as to avoid being shorted time during the punt.
Headphones: For entertainment en route.
***** Thoughts *****
Carrying it all: Initially I used a courier bag to carry everything. But I would like to go even lighter, and especially bag-less. Maybe a small "murse" as an improvement, or a special travel jacket with loads of pockets.
Any suggestions? Re-charging on the go: Although rare, there are times when I've forgot to charge my devices. A powerbank is just way too heavy, especially if I don't need it. So what I might do is bring just the cable, and try to find somewhere with a USB outlet, being careful to avoid "juice jacking"/data theft/malware outlets.
Anyone know of general places or ways to charge devices on the go? Others:
Better way to carry pills? Better way to carry water?So that's my PDC as it currently stands. Although it seems a bit obsessive, these items are either essential or very important. Forgetting any component is at least a major annoyance, and at worst catastrophic to the punt. Likewise, I've found that carrying and fumbling through unnecessary items is also an annoyance. So I would like to continue to refine my PDC over time, and get ideas and input from others.
So, what's your PDC? Hidden Image/Members Only
