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.

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.

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.

 

Related posts:

Share This