Basic Public Transport Tips for Singles (LRT Only) Part 2/2

I apologize for the late update. I've been so busy slacking around lately... haha.

As promised, tips on packing for public transport.

The idea is to pack light, but not miss out any essentials for public transport. What are the essentials? Basically, you need to keep yourself comfortable and protected from the following:
1. Weather
2. Animals.
3. People (Yes!)
4. Terrain.
5. Bacteria.

We know mother nature can be a bitch sometimes when she floods roads, causes massive traffic jams, stalls LRTs and just generally pisses on everyone. What can we do to stop her? Not much, but we can prepare ourselves...

Bring an umbrella (1), your foremost defense against the elements. If you want to keep the bulk down for fashion or convenience, get a sturdy foldable one, something like the following:

This baby has kept me safe and dry from strong winds and rain. Well, at least from the knee up. Don't stinge and get a sissy umbrella... you'll be wishing you paid a few extra ringgit WHEN (that's right, not IF) you get caught in a storm and your unbrella folds up and dies. Depending on the type of umbrella you choose, it could also be used as defense against animals and people. Something come too close for comfort? Whack it or poke it. If you're really into a premium one and know how to use a good stick to defend yourself, consider getting an unbreakable umbrella. If you're using a foldable type, remember to bring a plastic bag (2) to store it in your bag when you enter a shaded area.






Get a pair of waterproof shoes (3) and pack a plastic bag (4). This goes a long way in helping you navigate through puddles and keeping your feet dry. Remember to wear good cotton socks as this soaks up most of the moisture before it reaches your feet. Make sure it has a good grip, and you're set to handle slippery slopes and Malaysian roads (think potholes!). Bring your good pair of shoes for your destination if your waterproof shoes aren't stylish enough.

Bring an instant hand sanitizer (5) (alcohol based, ask for one in the pharmacy or outlets like Watsons) and a packet of tissues (which can be used if you need to potty ;-) ). God knows but you don't know what you'll be picking up on the train when you hold the handles. Make it a habit to sanitize after you get off. Note that this probably only protects you from bacteria, not viruses. To clear viruses from your hand, you'll probably need to rub your hands as if washing them.

The rest is really up to you. Bring a bottle of water if you'll be out long, and bring some entertainment, preferably something non-bulky. It may help to bring a spare think fabric change of clothes (including socks, underwear optional) wrapped in a plastic bag in case you get wet.

A couple more things about adjusting your backpack. Don't leave the straps loose so much so that your backpack dangles off your back when you move around. Doing so saps your energy as you have to compensate for the up and down movements of the bag. Not only that, it's less stable (feels like falling off all the time) and prevents you from moving and reacting quickly to the environment you're in, potentially putting your safety at risk.




So pull up your straps until your backpack is nice and firm against your back, and the bag + load moves with your body instead of swings towards it when you move. Best to keep both straps on your shoulders as you move, but in the interest of managing heat exchange, you may at times want to use just 1 strap on 1 shoulder as that will open up airflow to your back.


So, pack your 5 essentials and have fun travelling on public transport!
It helps to keep fit, btw...