Car commuters are spoiled.

Our vehicles hold all of the important junk we need in getting from home to work and back again.


Commuting on SunRail will mean downsizing and adapting. It's the difference between car camping and backpacking.

For starters we have to choose a vessel to hold commuting essentials.

Some will prefer a briefcase or laptop bag. Others a backpack. People 20 years younger than me look pretty good with messenger bags. Some of these come with wheels.

I'll probably start with a beat-up Orlando Sentinel satchel that I've had for a couple of decades.

Now, what to put inside?

A couple of survivalist websites suggest light sticks, whistles, dust masks, water purification systems,
a parachute cord (!)…even a change of underwear.

Other sites offer less apocalyptic suggestions. Check out links here and here for some helpful

Here's what I'll have in my bag on the first day:

A compact umbrella. There's a big difference between dashing a few yards to the car and dashing a few
blocks to the station in an afternoon thunderstorm.

A coffee mug. One that seals nice and tight.

Cell phone and charger. My Android phone holds a charge for what seems like 15 minutes. If I'm going to be checking email and reading OrlandoSentinel.com, I'll need to be charging.

Tissue, antiseptic wipes, a few plastic shopping bags and a small first-aid kit. Best to be prepared.

Snacks (that won't melt). One site said to avoid crunchy or smelly snacks that might annoy fellow passengers. Good advice. (Update: SunRail doesn't allow food on the trains, so snacking will have to occur before of after the ride.)



iPod and earphones. I don't have music loaded on my phone, so yes, I still use an iPod.

Leatherman tool. You never know when a screw needs tightening.

Small flashlight. For when all other lights go out.

A print copy of "To Kill A Mockingbird." Just in case my phone dies.

Some sites suggested a Nook or Kindle, and iPad, a laptop and a spare MRE, but a guy's gotta have limits.

What have I left off?

Tweet your suggestions to @mlafferty1 or email me at mlafferty@orlandosentinel.com