Rainy Day Essentials: 9 Things to Keep in Your Bag

Owning an umbrella is not much help if it is still at home. Keep it on the bag you carry every day, where you can reach it before stepping off a train or out of a doorway.

Haven folds to 40 cm / 15.75 in, weighs about 390 g and has a swivel carabiner handle that clips to a strap.

One press opens it. One press closes it.

A dripping canopy needs somewhere to go on the train or at an office doorway.

Every Haven includes a FREE absorbent carry sleeve. Shake off loose drops where there is room, then slide the closed umbrella inside.

Keep the sleeved umbrella separate from notes and electronics during the transfer. When you arrive, take it out and open it to air-dry. The sleeve is not a reason to leave a wet canopy packed away.

Pack a clean rolled pair beside the umbrella in your everyday bag. Damp socks are uncomfortable long after a shower stops.

Choose a small dry pocket or pouch so the spare pair does not get wet too. Keep them separate from the used pair on the way home, rather than pushing damp fabric against the rest of your belongings.

This is a spare for an unexpected soaking, not a replacement for shoes that suit the weather.

A zip-top bag takes little room beside your phone, earbuds and charger.

Keep it in an easy-to-reach pocket.

Close it before the rain gets in.

Rain on glasses or a phone screen can make a short walk awkward. Keep a clean microfibre cloth in an inner pocket, separate from a damp sleeve, so it is ready when you step indoors.

Use a clean part for lenses and screens. If you use it on a wet seat, wash and dry it before putting it back.

An umbrella covers your head and shoulders; a thin packable jacket covers the gaps when rain arrives from the side. Roll it along the edge of the bag. It can also be a useful extra layer in a cold office.

If your route crosses puddles or wet grass, keep slip-on shoe covers in an outer pocket.

Haven’s Buy 2 Get 1 FREE bundle includes FREE silicone shoe covers. That is three umbrellas, with a colour for each. Check that the covers suit your shoes before packing them for a wet walk.

Put used covers apart from clean belongings.

Let them dry before they go back in the bag.

Canvas and open-topped bags need a plan for water running off a wet coat.

Line the main compartment.
Keep paper inside the dry inner bag.
Place a damp sleeve outside that dry space.

A thin dry bag inside your tote gives the contents another layer of separation. Close it around your belongings; do not pack a wet umbrella beside a laptop.

Rain often arrives with poor light. Haven has reflective strips underneath the canopy that catch headlights when light reaches them. Keep your view clear, choose safe crossings and add suitable lighting for a dark route.