I Take These 5 Items With Me Everywhere in NYC

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we receive a commission at no cost to you.  Affiliate links are marked as "(paid link)".

If I’m not eating, sleeping, or working, I’m walking. I don’t plan it this way, but most weeks I walk about 50 miles all throughout New York City. From this, I’ve learned exactly what’s needed to feel safe, secure, and comfortable on my walks. Here are the five items that help me accomplish that.

1. SD Card Reader for the iPhone

I don’t often leave home without my camera, and I’m not a patient person. So, I like to bring an SD card reader that will upload my camera photos to my iPhone. This way, I can look at my pictures on the go, and maybe retake them, or post them while I’m still out and about. This particular SD card reader (paid link) is great because it’s easy to take with me  and all I have to do is plug it into my phone, no app required.

2. Travelon Anti-theft Classic Slim Double Zip Crossbody

While I’ve never personally run into any theft issues in New York, I’m always aware that the more people there are around you, the more likely it is that one of them is sketchy. I love using this Anti-theft Crossbody (paid link) not only because it protects my phone, wallet, and keys, but it’s also incredibly comfortable to carry around. I always prefer a crossbody bag over a tote or purse because there’s no chance of it sliding off. This particular bag is great because you can chain it to itself for further assurance that it’s not going anywhere. It’s practical in function and attractive in photos.

3. Wool Hiking Socks

Comfortable socks are the butter to your bread when it comes to walking. A typical walk for me involves a lot of dissociating, which means I don’t often pay attention to how much my shoes are scraping against my ankles, and I come home to a blood bath. This is why I invested in a nice pair of Alvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks (paid link). They’re thermal, warm, and prevent inevitable blisters. I wear them all around the city, especially now since the weather is cooling down.

4. Water Bottle Holder

There’s nothing more important than water. So, in addition to filling up a bottle before I head out, I take my Tactical MOLLE Water Bottle Pouch (paid link), which fits right onto my backpack and is perfect for long walks. I barely even notice that it’s there.

5. Wireless Ear Buds with Earhooks

Half of the reason I go for walks is to listen to music. I always have headphones with me wherever I go, and my favorites are these wireless Bluetooth headphones (paid link) that hook over your ears. They provide a comfortable earpiece and a quality sound, without ever getting tangled in wires and chords. I like these better than Air pods because they don’t hurt, no matter how long you leave them in your ears.