24 Useful Items To Keep On Hand During Summer Commutes
Summer commuting has a way of testing your patience, especially when heat, crowds, and delays all converge. The right everyday carry essentials can turn a sweaty, draining trip into something way more manageable. From portable fans and spray-on SPF to power banks, blister bandages, and mini Kindles, these small upgrades do a lot of heavy lifting.
1. A rechargeable handheld fan , because you are human and you sweat. And it weighs basically nothing, so throwing it in your purse or tote bag isn't a big deal.
Chelsea Stuart / BuzzFeed, Amazon
Promising review: "This great little fan is saving me this summer! I use it when I commute, at my nephews' swim meets, and whenever the heat is overwhelming. You can use it many times on one charge.Great little fan!" — AMH
Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors).
2. Or, if your pit stains laughed in the face of that device, you can kick things up a notch with a portable neck fan . It has three speed settings that are so powerful, you almost won't miss your central air.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Depending on your setting, the fan can last four to sixteen hours. Once it needs to be recharged, just connect it to any USB cable.
Promising review: "I use it for my commute to/from work. The heat and humidity have been awful, and I tend to perspire A LOT. It definitely keeps my neck cooler. A few people have even stopped me to ask how well it works." — Emily Dominguez
Get it from Amazon for $27.19+ (available in five colors).
3. A four-pack of static-clinging window shades that'll give your AC a helping hand when it comes to keeping your car a bearable temperature. Ofc they're also great for keeping the sun out of your kids' and fur babies' eyes if you've gotta drop them off on your way into work!
Amazon
Promising review:"We used this product on a three-week cross-country camping trip in late August and early September and it made a huge difference in the 'real feel' temp of our truck.What I mean is that 77 may feel comfortable to the person in the shade, but NOT to the person sitting in direct sun. These things were outstanding in blocking the sun — I didn't even have to use sunscreen on my legs and arms (I sunburn easily). I even used one in the driver's side window when I was driving on the interstate. I could still easily see approaching vehicles in my mirrors." — Brian Wilkinson
Get them from Amazon for $13.99 .
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4. Some *ultra-affordable* Tozo wireless headphones , if just the thought of wearing over-ear headphones during a heatwave is majorly overstimulating. These are waterproof, feature touch-control sensors, and offer 14 hours of playback time (60 hours total with the charging case), plus reviewers love the bass, and many agree that they're a better value than AirPods .
Promising review:"These earbuds are fantastic! I have purchased them about four or five times. Every time I lose one, I buy another set. The sound quality is great, and the noise cancellation works really well, which is perfect for my commute.I love that they're waterproof too. The battery life is amazing, and the charging case is super convenient.It fits perfectly in my ear; the size is not too big or small." — Marouka
Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in seven colors).
5. A large cup holder , because whoever designed the built-in ones in your car didn't consider the fact that you exclusively drink from XL water bottles and Trenta Starbucks cups.
The insert — from small biz Smart Kup — has a tapered base that goes from 3.2 to 2.6 inches, so it fits in most standard cup holders. It's suitable for cups and bottles 32 to 40 ounces.
Promising review: "The console cupholders in the Chevy Colorado are ridiculously small. Good for a 12-ounce paper cup and that's it. There is a thick rubbery liner within the cupholder area, and this Smart Kup slides in and grips nicely. Also, it goes in deep enough to be stable. With a full 40-ounce insulated Hydro Flask in it, the holder doesn't move or tip over or pop out of the cup holder hole during sharp turns. The cup also keeps the Hydro Flask from falling out of the cup, because it sits deep enough." — Bartimus Max
Get it from Amazon for $14.95 (available in two styles).
6. Some Liquid I.V. Hydration packets that provide 3x the electrolytes of typical sports drinks and 100% of your B3, B5, B6, and B12 vitamins, things you'll likely want to replace if you sweat your butt off standing during your 45-minute (often AC-less) subway commute.
Psst — they're also gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free! And certain flavors — like Cherry Ring Pop — are even sugar free!
FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic .
Promising review:"Liquid I.V. is amazing! It really has made my daily life 100% better.I constantly have to give blood samples every day, and not just a little, like at least 100cc every day, and when you're dehydrated, it makes this very difficult. And I really just don't have the time to drink water as I should. But with Liquid I.V., I can use three packets a day, and my blood will be flowing like a river. My veins thank you. So, thank you, Liquid I.V., for literally making my quality of life so much better." — wendy griggers
Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in 18 flavors).
7. Some pH-balanced deodorant wipes you can use on the go, because *no one* wants to be known as the stinky passenger on the commuter train.
Fomin is a small biz!
Promising review: "These are great for travel. Throw them in your purse or travel bag, or pack them with your toiletries. Lots of great uses. Don't take up space, don't count as a liquid, and WORK.Like them a lot." — Lloyd
Get a box of 15 from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in four scents or a variety pack).
8. An Anker Nano Power Bank with a 10,000-mAh battery, a built-in USB-C cable, and 30W fast charging that can boost your iPhone from 0% to 50% in just 30 minutes — a necessity because you will be listening to a podcast, doing an NYT crossword puzzle, and checking Slack on your train ride to the office. Plus, the cable also doubles as a wrist strap, so you can charge on the go without juggling a bunch of devices in your one free hand. (I'm assuming the other is holding a large iced coffee.)
Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say:
"I've owned this charger for more than a year and love the built-in cord. It just simplifies everything! I often throw it into my bag on regular days because sometimes I end up spending the whole day out and about (New York City is just like that) and need a charge without monopolizing an outlet in a coffee shop. It's a little heavier than other portable chargers I've used in the past, but I still adore it over all other chargers I've used. Oh, and the percentage indicator for how much juice it has is incredibly convenient and has probably ruined all other portable chargers for me."
Promising review: "An absolute must-have for anyone looking to eliminate cable clutter while keeping their devices charged at high speeds. The standout feature is the integrated USB-C cable, which is incredibly sturdy and doubles as a convenient carrying handle. With 30W bi-directional fast charging, it can power an iPhone 16 or 15 to 50% in just 30 minutes, and it recharges itself just as quickly. The vibrant smart display provides real-time information on remaining battery percentage and charging time, taking all the guesswork out of your power levels.Compact enough to fit in a small bag or even a pocket, it's the perfect balance of 10,000-mAh capacity and portabilityfor travel or daily commutes." — Chris
Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in five colors).
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9. Or a pocket-size Anker Nano Power Bank with Built-in USB-C Connector if you're looking for a super compact, travel-friendly option that weighs just 3.5 ounces!
Promising review: "I recently picked up the Anker Nano Power Bank for my iPhone 16, and it's quickly become one of my everyday essentials. The built-in USB-C connector is a game changer—no more digging through my bag for a cable. Just plug it in and go. It connects snugly, charges fast, and is super convenient for travel or daily commutes. Despite its small size, the 5,000mAh capacity provides more than enough juice for a full phone recharge, and the 22.5W output powers up my phone quickly without overheating. It also works great with my AirPods and my partner's Samsung S23. The sleek, minimalist design fits right in my pocket or purse, and it's surprisingly lightweight for how much power it delivers.Anker continues to deliver reliable, high-quality tech accessories, and this one lives up to the name. If you're looking for a portable, no-fuss charging solution that works across several devices, this is a must-have." — Annette G.
Get it from Amazon for $21.95+ (available in five colors).
10. A sun visor clip where you can reliably stow your shades so they're always within reach. That way, you don't get into an accident as you pull out of the Dunkin' drive-thru with your caffeine in hand and the blinding sun overhead.
Promising review: "Love this sunglasses holder. It stays securely on the visor and I can put and take my sunglasses on and off from it with one hand. It's much better than the last one I purchased from Amazon. That one got so loose that it wouldn't stay on the visor anymore. I don't think I'll have that problem with this one. The visor is still usable with the sunglass holder on it, and the sunglasses are within perfect reaching distance to take off, even while driving with one hand. And the clips hold my sunglasses tightly. Best purchase ever!" — Tara S.
Get it from Amazon for $11.99 .
11. An anti-blister balm , because the last thing you need is your new ballet flats rubbing your feet raw on your way into the office.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the anti-blister balm in action! PS: It comes from small biz BodyGlide .
Promising review:"This foot balm is wonderful!! I have had foot problems for as long as I can remember. I often get blisters on my feet, and nothing I tried helped. This product does exactly what I hoped it would. I can walk long distances or stand for hours without pain or blisters.Don't hesitate to give it a try if you have problems with your feet." — Mee
Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in packs of two).
12. Or some Dr. Frederick's Hydrocolloid Blister Bandages if you didn't buy anti-blister balm on time and are now dealing with the consequences. These waterproof pads provide extra cushioning for comfort and hydrocolloid, which can help damaged skin heal up to two times faster than if left untreated.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Dr. Frederick's is a small business.
Promising review: "These are maybe the best bandages I've ever used on my blisters. They are discreet and stay on your feet forever! I had the two largest blisters I've ever had on my heels from new shoes, ordered these and put them on and was able to do intense workouts the next day and didn't feel a thing. Will be buying these for each purse I own!!" — Renee
Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in styles for toes, heels, and spots, or in a combination pack).
13. A trio of Touchland sanitizer sprays in de-li-cious scents like wild watermelon, velvet peach, and berry bliss, because sometimes you just need to freshen up your summer stickiness. 🍉🍑🫐 Whether your commute involves first filling up at the gas pump or holding onto a communal subway pole, it's just a smart thing to keep on hand.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Living in New York and using public transportation every day really changes how you think about hand hygiene. Subways, doors, elevator buttons, and other shared surfaces are touched by countless people, so having a sanitizer on hand feels practical. I like this spray format because it's compact, easy to carry, and quick to use on the go. The mist distributes evenly, dries fast, and doesn't leave my hands sticky, which is important during a busy day.The packaging is slim and fits easily in a bag or pocket. Overall, it's a convenient and well-designed option for everyday use, especially if you spend a lot of time commuting or moving around the city." — Valeriia
Get the set of three from Amazon for $30 (available in various scent combinations; also available in packs of five).
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14. A waterproof car trash can if you have little ones who make a mess in the backseat, or it's just *you* responsible for the Starbucks cups and Taco Bell wrappers all over your front seat.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Great trash can for my car! Admit it, if you're looking for a car trash can, your car probably looks like it's been to a fraternity party — even though you're a full-grown adult.Don't be embarrassed. OK, maybe you should be, but just buy this trash can and get your stuff together, one candy wrapper at a time." — LF
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors/prints).
15. A tiny 2-in-1 nausea relief inhaler that can help with motion sickness, morning sickness, queasiness, and migraines. This is a non-medicated, non-drowsy solution meant to provide immediate relief when sniffed or applied to the tip of your nose.
Check out a TikTok of the nausea relief inhaler in action. PS: Allclair is a small biz!
Promising review:"Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy, I'd reach for it. I'm sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" — Willy&Lilly
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four).
16. Or an acupressure wristband if you're looking for an all-natural way to alleviate nausea, motion sickness, or morning sickness, because feeling like you have to hurl — especially while on a city bus or ferry — is not how anyone wants to start their day.
Reviewers say they've also had success using it for chemotherapy , menopause , and pregnancy-induced nausea .
Promising review: "I don't understand how these work, but they seriously do. These are a duplicate pair I got for a friend after using mine on a bus tour on vacation because I get car sick. They worked incredibly well, even though I was skeptical. Now, my friend uses them on a train commute to and from work. Loaned some to a different friend for a boat ride, and they didn't get seasick for the first time in their life.Follow the instructions for placement and how/when to press. Seriously magic." — Steph
Get it from Amazon for $8.53 .
17. An as-seen-on- Shark-Tank seat gap filler you can pop in your center console to ensure you never drop another French fry, phone, or credit card into that evil little crevice!!!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
The seat gap filler is flexible and fits into most cars. The pack comes with two gap fillers (one for both the driver and passenger sides), a sticky pad for keeping items like your phone from sliding around, and an LED car light.
Promising review:"Sometimes it's the simple things in life that provide the most satisfaction. I no longer have to stand on my head and stick my hand and arm down a narrow rabbit hole to clean the debris that falls between the edges of my car seats and the console. Simple to install, well constructed, and extremely effective. Wish I had invented this. It would have added years of enjoyment to my life." — Bhloscaidh
Get a pair from Amazon for $24.99 .
18. A Super Spritz SPF50 Face Mist so you can refresh your sunscreen all day long and not worry about ruining your makeup or having to rub in lotion with germ-y hands.
PS: The feel-good formula — from small biz Vacation — is vegan and cruelty-free.
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "I no longer have to compromise between ruining my makeup or protecting my skin. This product is wonderful for reapplying throughout the day without having to touch up my makeup.The spray provides smooth and full coverage across my skin without needing to drench my face in spray. Added bonus that it makes applying sunblock to my older kids much easier and without a fight; plus, we all enjoy the pleasant fragrance!" — GCS
Get it from Amazon for $24 (comes with a car air freshener in the same scent).
19. Or Abib's Airy Sunstick — another alternative for anyone who HATES how greasy sunscreen feels on their fingers. The oil-control formula offers a semi-matte finish with no white cast, so you don't have to rub it in and defeat the purpose of its design. 🙌🏻
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action.
Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin.Like you're not wearing anything at all." — Martina
Get it from Amazon for $16.33 (also available in a pack of two).
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20. A glare-free *mini* Kindle that — despite being the size of your palm — can hold thousands of books and last for six weeks on a single charge, so you don't have to worry about it dying mid-chapter.
Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action.
Promising review:"Best purchase ever. You can fit it in the back of your pocket! I recommend just the normal Kindle because it's 6". I can fit it in my purse and in a lot of small places, so I can take it everywhere. Makes commuting so much better. I recommend getting a case. I got one, but my friend didn't and scratched hers up quickly. Also, splurge on no ads." — Jordan Parnell
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen).
21. A Kitsch flat claw clip , ready to jump into action the moment you simply CANNOT have your hair touching your neck anymore. It's also much safer than traditional claw clips when driving, as the prongs lie flat against your head, so they won't dig into your scalp when your head is against the seat rest.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
Promising review:"Just got this today and I love it! I needed something that would keep my hair up, but not pull and not pull it out when I removed it, as well as something that was comfortable and safe to wear while driving. I haven't driven with it in yet, BUT I am lying in my bed, on my iPad with my head in the pillow and am very comfortable. My new holy grail for putting my hair up.Could not be happier! My hair is long, and of moderate thickness, and it holds beautifully." — Kimberly A.
Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in three sizes and colors).
22. An insulated JavaSok if you're a certified Slow Sipper and you're sick of your iced coffee turning into watered-down bean juice. The neoprene sleeve keeps your drink cold for hours on end and banishes condensation, so no clammy hands for you!
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
JavaSok is a small biz!
Promising review: "This is the third one I've bought... I love them!! The medium fits a large Starbucks or Dutch Bros drink just fine. They keep drinks cold and keep the sweat off of everything. Very cute colors. I keep one in my car and one at home, and I use it for lots of different drinks." — brittney thomas
Get it from Amazon for $6+ (available in dozens of designs and sizes S–XXL).
23. A Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller that works just like your go-to oil-blotting sheets, but it doesn't create any extra waste! Just roll the mattifying stick all over your T-zone (or anywhere else that gets greasy) and soak up excess oil.
www.amazon.com , www.amazon.com
In case you're wondering — no , the volcanic roller doesn't mess up your makeup. And once you've given your face a quick touch-up, just twist off the top of the roller to release the stone and give it a wash before your next use.
Promising review: " This rolling device is like pure magic. You simply roll it around your oily areas and BOOM, the oil magically vanishes into the ball, never to be seen again! This is an item that #tiktokmademebuy for sure! I saw a video on TikTok and immediately went on the hunt, only to be disappointed that this item was sold out everywhere! I eventually got added to a waiting list here on Amazon, and once they had it in stock again, they charged my card and sent it my way! If you have the chance to purchase this and you have oily skin, get yourself on the waiting list if you need to, and just kick it until it shows up. You will be pleased. Thank me later. ;)" — Veronica Cooper
Get it from Amazon for $6.57 .
24. And a Saucemoto dip clip for your post-work fast food pick-me-up. 🙌🏻 With this resourceful car vent caddy, you'll never have to eat a dry road fry or nugget again!
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Check it out on TikTok !
Promising review:"This is the best invention ever! I'm a sauce queen and this allows me to have sauce in my car without wasting it! Whoever invented this knows my love language!" — Quintana
Get set of two from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors and packs of 2, 4, and 6).
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Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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