Now that you got your consulting offer, what should you pack in your bag? Here is a list of things I have used and favored when I travel. Some are common sense (shoe polish), while others are personal preference (Tumi vs. Briggs and Riley). Feel free to chime in with some of your favorite products, services, and advice you have for new consultants looking to “get some kit” on Amazon. Packing list. Note: affiliate links.
Clothes
You are on your own here, but definitely follow your client’s lead. If you are in financial services, expect to wear business formal. Otherwise, dark slacks and button down (for guys) is de rigeur. Keep your eyes open the first few days of work, to see what others are wearing (just like high school). If you are really not sure – watch some recruiting videos and see what they’re wearing. In the end, wear comfortable, neat, and easy-to-travel clothes. Never check your bag. Ever.
Also, be practical. Mix and match. Don’t pack too many shoes or too many 1-day, super-unique outfits. Dark two piece and change out the blouse.
Roller bag
This is one of your biggest purchases, and perhaps most important. Two dependable brands are Tumi and Briggs and Riley. I am a Tumi fan, but my previous boss swears by Briggs. I use the Tumi Alpha 2 rollerbag with 2 wheels (instead of 4). I like how the 2 wheel version is lighter (9lb instead of 11lb) and also feels sturdier. The wheels are solid. Of course, it’s 22 x 14 x 9in so it is the maximum carry-on size for Delta. It’s pretty no-nonsense, and has an excellent suit / dress hanger set-up inside. It’s got a 5 year warranty; once I had a wobbly handle, and got it fixed for free. Downside: have to leave the bag there. Upside: they also replaced my wheels.
Of course, there are dozens of rollerbags that will do the job. My buddy has a Samsonite 4 wheel spinner and likes how you can navigate airplane aisles.
Computer bag
Not sure if this is still true, but a lot of consulting firms actually give you a computer bag with your standard-issue lap top. For me, I use the Tumi Portfolio which is super slim computer bag. It’s made of ballistic nylon, so it’s indestructible, tidy, and fairly light. It’s only 3 pounds, and fits everywhere. Most of my buddies – and ex-boss again – have the leather Tumi expandable version (more expensive, and fits a LOT more stuff). Watch out 6lbs instead of 3lbs. Personally, I also think that the leather gets a bit nasty after a couple of years.
Most of my friends use the Tumi backpack. Call me conservative, but I find that a backpack (no matter how nice) seems informal. Yes, I sound like your dad.
Tech accessories
Okay, this list is essentially endless. Make sure you have powercords and chargers. The rest is nice-to-have. That said, here is what I use.
- Wall charger with 2 outlets – for you and a friend
- Tech accessory bag – have a place to put all your cords
- Key chain USB – self explanatory
- Presentation clicker – yes, you should have your own. Use this weekly
- Wireless hotspot – this is a lifesaver for when you’re in airports without wifi
- Headphones – this pair is <$30, but DS (see comments below), swears by these Bose Noise-Cancelling ones
- Airtag – I got four, and now finding ways to use them
Other stuff in my bag
- Lamy fountain pens – yes, this is one of my things; enjoy having good pens
- Sunglasses – yes, I lose them all the time
- Shoe polish– yes, it’s old school
- Tide stick pen – because life happens (to your shirt)
- Contigo – travel mug is a great way to carry around hot coffee
- Ear plugs – trust me, people snore loudly in hotels
- Eye mask – whatever helps you sleep, do it
- Reading light – some hotels don’t have good low-light
- Business cards – yes, people still use them, stamps are a great addition (hat tip: HE)
- Slippers for hotel – dude, don’t walk barefoot in hotel rooms
- Small pill box with Advil, Pepto Bismol, Benadryl, and back-up meds
- Work out clothes, sneakers (optional, heh heh)
Not me, maybe you
Some things that my friends tend to carry – but I don’t.
- Privacy screen to prevent onlookers on the plane
- Cellphone case with build-in extra battery – personally, I find this too bulky
- External battery – This is super useful, if you’re traveling between sites
Make a packing list
Create a packing list and leave it in your bag. Super-helpful with toiletries to make sure you don’t forget stuff. Also, charge your computer and phone, but leave them right by the door; leaving your power cord at home is a super rookie-move.
In reality, you need 5 things
Funny – in the end you probably only need 5 things: 1) ID 2) Credit card 3) computer 4) power cords 5) cell phone. Let me know what other products you love, and should be added to this list.
I like the idea of a packing list, but when it comes to everything but clothes. Why not just buy two of everything? For example toiletries. Reduce a lot of stress when it comes to packing for me.
Daniel,
Completely agree with the toiletries. Especially, when it can be 5-10+ crazy small things.
I”m a huge fan of two-of-everything toiletries and chargers. I also buy clothes that are easy to mix-and-match as it helps to reduce decision fatigue.
Biggest thing that I never forget is my Bose earphones, which are amazing for those times when you have a restless toddler sitting on the same plane.
I’ve also been using a convertible backpack/briefcase for my bad back. Wear it around Monday & Thursday and tuck the straps in when I reach the client site.
Jon – completely agree. There is so much mental burden with flights, clients, deliverables, etc. . .your clothes and packing needs to be as low-stress as possible. Especially, when it is at 4am on Monday morning.
Back in my days in the military, we used to say that depending on the job we were deploying to, pack want you need, not what you want or visa versa. You just had to remember that you were the one carrying it all.
For long haul, I’d double up on toiletries and split them into different bags if possible. I’d also take a multi tool and a good book.
So true – makes a huge difference if you have to carry it yourself, right? Like the tip about splitting up important things . . yet another reason to not check in bags, unless you really have to. Thanks for reading.
If you travel more than 1 day: always 2 pairs of shoes. Never wear the same pair of leather shoes two days in a row. Not good for shoes and your fest. Yes, takes space but it is worth the effort.
Tom, great advice. Probably advice I should follow more too. Many thanks.
I’m starting at a Big 3 in 2 weeks (where did the summer go?!) and this article was super helpful. Hope all is well!
Do great work, learn alot, and have fun. Thanks for reading.
A couple of months ago, I bought the Bose Noise-Cancelling Earphones here, which are quite expensive compared to other earphones. However, oh boy, how much I love them, especially on the airplane.
Yes, I have heard great things about them. Also, 1,600+ reviews at 5 stars. . . wow.
I keep in the back of the briefcase, a folder with several sheets of business stationary, a few envelopes and a book of stamps. Also an envelope to hold receipts for the week along with blank expense reports to fill out daily.
Extra shoe laces. I keep all meds in separate ziploc type of bags, and a biz card sized note in each bag with the name and dosage of the medicine. Less space than a small bottle for each one.
Big fan. Yes, stamps are so valuable. . . so rarely used, but clutch.
Trampoline socks, running shorts and a t-shirt. That’s the superlight gym gear to fit in your hand luggage. I do prefer a backpack. There are more professional looking ones available. Great blog!
Thanks for reading. Need to find out what trampoline socks are.