Winter commuter kitlist: my essentials for traveling in the wet and cold

Commuting to work in the winter takes a different kind of strength.

<![CDATA[ <article> <p>Commuting to work in the winter takes a different kind of strength. It's colder, wetter, darker — all things that are capable of sucking any remaining joy out of what is already a fairly joyless pursuit. As a two-trains-and-a-walk commuter, I have discovered that arming yourself with the right kit is key to making things more bearable. I've rounded up my winter commuter kitlist below.</p><p>First: the inclement weather essentials. That means investing in a decent collapsible umbrella that won't invert or break the minute the wind picks up. Rucksacks are a commuter's best friend, and opting for a weather-resistant build or a rain cover means there's no danger of your laptop getting drizzled on. </p><p>Next: comfort buys. I'm a caffeine fiend, and a hot coffee makes a morning commute feel significantly more manageable. I swear by the Yeti Rambler with — and this is important — the screw-down commuter cap. I've tested those '100% leaf-proof' claims thoroughly; I can chuck this upside-down in my bag and nothing will leak. If you feel the cold, a great rechargeable hand-warmer can be a game-changer, too. I have a LifeSystems one that can also double as a power pack. </p><p>Finally: entertainment. I like a Kindle for reading on the train, because there's no chance I'll end up doomscrolling. And for the walking part, I'll choose between over-ears that block out the background noise, or, if it's cold enough to warrant a hat, some in-ears. Scroll down for a closer look at my commuter essentials, with options at different price points to suit different budgets. </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-commuter-kitlist"><span>Commuter kitlist</span></h2> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="a5db79de-d8ff-11f1-852c-630e42c8c954"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bearwind-Electric-Hand-Warmers-Rechargeable/dp/B0FKH13QZT/" data-model-name="Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers, 2 pack" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sYFkWBHat77hFkRDoNPNnS.jpg" alt="Bearwind Electric Hand Warmers Rechargeable, 2 Pack Magnetic Design, Blue | Reusable Pocket Warmers, 3 Levels Heating, Winter Gifts for Women and Men, Stocking Stuffers for Golf Hunting Hiking Outdoor" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Bearwind</div> <div class="featured__title">Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmers, 2 pack</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="4fb40086-d8fe-11f1-ba05-35231902312b"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lifesystems-Rechargeable-Twin-Pack-Dual-Palm-Functionality/dp/B0B7XSMR2P/" data-model-name="Rechargeable Hand Warmer / power bank, 2 pack" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:150%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uzG9gNYHV5uLL9mFmkM7PL.jpg" alt="Lifesystems Rechargeable Dual-Palm Hand Warmer With 2 X 5000mah Power Bank | Twin-Pack Rechargeable Usb &amp; Usb C 2x 5,000 Mah Batteries | 3 Heat Settings | Up to 9 Hours Heat" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Lifesystems</div> <div class="featured__title">Rechargeable Hand Warmer / power bank, 2 pack</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="c9216946-d902-11f1-a83e-77330e023ba8"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/ShedRain-Automatic-Compact-Windproof-Umbrella/dp/B0CD9L8JBV/" data-model-name="Vortex Compact Travel Umbrella, Auto Open Close" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wgTYkyJ5XSGFEmmSXDNZEc.jpg" alt="ShedRain, Vortex Compact Travel Umbrella, Auto Open Close" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>ShedRain</div> <div class="featured__title">Vortex Compact Travel Umbrella, Auto Open Close</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="c92168ce-d902-11f1-a2f9-4f137b280170"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Green-Metro-Folding-Blunt-Umbrella/dp/B089K5RCG5/?th=1" data-model-name="Metro folding umbrella" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ejp2mPnqBoUzLAFKBnfoYk.jpg" alt="Blunt Metro" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Blunt</div> <div class="featured__title">Metro folding umbrella</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="9c08cbce-d903-11f1-9547-819c8480428f"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Troubadour-Apex-4-0-22L-Premium-Backpack/dp/B0FDYFJW21/" data-model-name="Apex 4.0 Laptop Backpack" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.24%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v2/t:21,l:67,cw:358,ch:477,q:80/CgqXz6Y5FyFVfABG8moWuK.jpg" alt="Troubadour Apex 4.0 Laptop Backpack | 22l | Green Smoke | Water Resistant | Ergonomic Design | Padded Laptop Protection | Organised Storage | Comfortable Carry | Work &amp; Travel" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Troubadour</div> <div class="featured__title">Apex 4.0 Laptop Backpack</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href="https://www.techradar.com/pro/this-fantastic-backpack-means-i-no-longer-dread-going-to-work-events-and-conferences-quite-so-much">This fantastic backpack means I no longer dread going to work events and conferences</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="20588810-d904-11f1-a5ec-870e97dd358f"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsonite-Roader-Backpack-Business-University/dp/B0GWHRWPYS" data-model-name="Roader Laptop Backpack with Rain Cover" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/a54sNn93AHgkAYvpsdcXF6.jpg" alt="Samsonite Roader - Laptop Backpack 15.6", Business &amp; School Backpack With Rain Cover - for Office &amp; School &amp; University - Green (olive)" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Samsonite</div> <div class="featured__title">Roader Laptop Backpack with Rain Cover</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="1df5d3ba-d905-11f1-90b1-b9fe001b492d"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D4ZC4XMT/ref=asc_df_B0CCZ1L4891793369040000" data-model-name="Quietcomfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.33%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v2/t:21,l:80,cw:342,ch:456,q:80/C4u7YnJuG6EtatUdnEWpDm.jpg" alt="Bose Quietcomfort Ultra Bluetooth Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones for Music With Spatial Audio, Over-The-Ear Headphones With Mic, Up to 24 Hours of Battery Life, Lunar Blue - Limited Edition" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Bose</div> <div class="featured__title">Quietcomfort Ultra Noise Cancelling Headphones</div> <div class="stars__reviews"><span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" class="chunk rating"><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star half"></span><meta itemprop="bestRating" content="100.0" /><meta itemprop="worstRating" content="0.0" /><meta itemprop="ratingValue" content="90" /></span></div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Read our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/wireless-headphones/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-review">Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones review</a></p><p>Want to see some other options? Here's our official <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/headphones/best-noise-cancelling-headphones">best noise-cancelling headphones ranking</a></p></p> </div> <div class="pro-con"><div class="list-pros-wrapper"><h4 class="list-pros-label">Pros</h4><ul class="list-pros"><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Fantastic, detailed sound with rich bass</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Class-leading noise-stopping power</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Comfortable and premium, with folding design</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Great smart features</li></ul></div><div class="list-cons-wrapper"><h4 class="list-cons-label">Cons</h4><ul class="list-cons"><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>24-hour battery life is weak</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Some will prefer a more neutral sound</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>No USB-C audio input</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>No LE Audio support (but it's promised)</li></ul></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="b7ed1712-d905-11f1-b070-0b0c166317ce"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQPVJ74B/ref=asc_df_B0DQPVJ74B1793423040000?th=1" data-model-name="EAH-AZ100E-K True Wireless Earbuds w/ ANC" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:111.44%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MqsnMFamLf7RPa36zTK99L.jpg" alt="Technics, EAH-AZ100E-K True Wireless Earbuds w/ ANC" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Technics</div> <div class="featured__title">EAH-AZ100E-K True Wireless Earbuds w/ ANC</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Read our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/technics-eah-az100-review">Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds review</a></p><p>Want to see some other options? Here's our official <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/earbuds-airpods/the-best-earbuds">best earbuds ranking</a></p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="c682e76c-d904-11f1-945e-2f5824be7d53"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contigo-Autoseal-Stainless-Leakproof-Easy-Clean/dp/B07TRG2Y57/" data-model-name="West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, 470ml" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.33%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v2/t:0,l:5,cw:375,ch:500,q:80/o2CdbCL9eDJvxXYNfpoVqb.jpg" alt="Contigo West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, Stainless Steel Thermal Mug, Vacuum Flask, Leakproof Tumbler, Coffee Mug With Bpa Easy-Clean Lid, 470 Ml, Red" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Contigo</div> <div class="featured__title">West Loop Autoseal Travel Mug, 470ml</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="8067c8ec-d904-11f1-933e-598232f963cb"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/YETI-Insulated-Stainless-Leakproof-Commuter/dp/B0FHBDVTFY/" data-model-name="Rambler (355ml) travel mug w/ leakproof Commuter Cap" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.33%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v2/t:12,l:60,cw:363,ch:484,q:80/CCtt83YG24CReRCbSh7AWK.jpg" alt="Yeti Rambler 12 Oz (355 Ml) Coffee Travel Bottle With 100% Leakproof Hotshot Commuter Cap, Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Tea &amp; Coffee Cup Travel Mug, Royal Blue" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Yeti</div> <div class="featured__title">Rambler (355ml) travel mug w/ leakproof Commuter Cap</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="988dc216-d90c-11f1-852a-d9ed1d41d375"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/SEALSKINZ-Water-Repellent-Fleece-Glove/dp/B0CD7XVBFC/" data-model-name="Acle touchscreen, water-repellent nano-fleece gloves" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.33%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/f8EMobjyJ4NRKRchkoXQ8J.jpg" alt="Sealskinz | Acle | Water Repellent Nano Fleece Glove | Touchscreen Compatible | Lightweight | Provides Insulated Protection | Olive" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Sealskinz</div> <div class="featured__title">Acle touchscreen, water-repellent nano-fleece gloves</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="988dc298-d90c-11f1-860f-2f1e1d974b32"> <a href="https://www.lululemon.co.uk/en-gb/p/warm-revelation-gloves/153827755.html" data-model-name="Warm Revelation Gloves" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.36%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GZzCruJwJQS9hrFmRdWmBR.jpg" alt="lululemon, Warm Revelation Gloves - Black - L" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>lululemon</div> <div class="featured__title">Warm Revelation Gloves</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="fad7a7e8-d907-11f1-8376-2ba76e76d53d"> <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GV5YVVCD?th=1" data-model-name="Kindle Paperwhite 16GB" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:100.00%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UVwcvegbTqB7UFnSt37JmF.jpg" alt="Amazon Kindle Paperwhite" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Amazon</div> <div class="featured__title">Kindle Paperwhite 16GB</div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="featured_product_block featured_block_standard" data-id="fad7a874-d907-11f1-80cc-4b89703acb6d"> <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/4744609" data-model-name="Clara BW e-reader" data-model-brand="" ><div class='product-image-widthsetter'><p class='vanilla-image-block' data-bordeaux-image-check="" style='padding-top:133.14%';><img style="width: 100%" class="featured_image" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XqG2mLD9wx76xM67xiFABn.jpg" alt="Kobo, Clara BW e-reader" /></p></div></a> <div class="featured_product_details_wrapper"> <div class="featured_product_title_wrapper"> <div class='featured__brand'>Kobo</div> <div class="featured__title">Clara BW e-reader</div> <div class="stars__reviews"><span itemprop="reviewRating" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Rating" class="chunk rating"><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star"> </span><span class="icon icon-star half"></span><meta itemprop="bestRating" content="100.0" /><meta itemprop="worstRating" content="0.0" /><meta itemprop="ratingValue" content="90" /></span></div> </div> <div class="subtitle__description"> <p><p>Read our full <a href="https://www.techradar.com/tablets/ereaders/kobo-clara-bw-review-a-compact-ereader-showcasing-the-best-e-ink-display-yet">Kobo Clara BW review</a></p><p>Want to see some other options? Here's our official <a href="https://www.techradar.com/best/best-ereader">best e-reader ranking</a></p></p> </div> <div class="pro-con"><div class="list-pros-wrapper"><h4 class="list-pros-label">Pros</h4><ul class="list-pros"><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>New E Ink Carta 1300 screen</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Compact, lightweight and waterproof</li><li class='list-item list-item-pros'>Affordable and repairable</li></ul></div><div class="list-cons-wrapper"><h4 class="list-cons-label">Cons</h4><ul class="list-cons"><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>No cloud file transfer support</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>Dated, plastic design</li><li class='list-item list-item-cons'>6-inch screen can be small for some</li></ul></div></div> </div> </div> </article> ]]>