10 Things You Must Keep in Your Bag This Rainy Season

There's something so comforting about the rainy season, the soft drizzling of raindrops on windows, the smell of freshly prepared coffee, and the urge to curl up with a good book under a blanket. However, let's be real, while the monsoon brings cosy vibes and poetic feels, it also comes with its fair share of messy surprises. One moment you're enjoying the breeze, and the next, you're dodging puddles and wiping your fogged-up glasses. That's why being prepared can make all the difference!

Essentials you must have in your bag other just an umbrella; Photo Credit: pexels

Whether you're heading to college, the office, or just out for errands, having a well-packed monsoon-friendly bag can save you from unnecessary chaos. Just think of it as your personal rainy day survival kit. Here are 10 essentials that should live in your bag throughout the monsoon season, which are practical, compact, and oh-so-helpful!

Things You Must Keep In Your Bag During Rainy Season

1. A Compact Umbrella (Your Personal Rain Shield)

Carrying an umbrella is a no-brainer, right? But you'd be surprised how many of us forget to carry it, until we're drenched. A lightweight, foldable umbrella in the rainy season is a must-have. Look for one that opens quickly and has strong wind resistance. If you're into style, you can even find umbrellas in cute prints or transparent ones that go with everything. Thus, carrying an umbrella is a must in this rainy season.

Pro tip: Always dry your umbrella after use to prevent mould and rust from forming.

2. A Foldable Raincoat Or Poncho

An umbrella protects your upper half, but what about your back, arms, and bag? Enter the foldable raincoat or poncho, super easy to store in your tote or backpack and perfect for that heavy rain when umbrellas alone can't help. Ponchos are especially helpful if you ride a bike or scooter, making them very useful for this rainy weather. 

Choose one with a hood and side snaps, and a bonus if it's transparent or stylish, you'll thank yourself when you look put together and dry.

3. Waterproof Footwear Or Flip-Flops

Getting your feet soaked is uncomfortable at best, creating an invitation for fungal infections. If you're walking or commuting during the monsoon, switch to waterproof sandals, rubber flip-flops, or quick-dry shoes. Keep a compact, lightweight pair in your bag in case your regular footwear gives up. Some brands even offer foldable rain shoes that fit snugly into a pouch, making it perfect for city life and bearable for this rainy season.

Avoid wearing Suede, leather, or canvas shoes; they take forever to dry and get ruined easily.

4. A Small Towel Or Super-Absorbent Handkerchief

You'll be surprised how useful a microfiber towel or soft cotton handkerchief can be during monsoon. Whether it's drying your hands, wiping your phone, or patting down wet skin or clothes, this is one essential you shouldn't skip. Go for a quick-dry material and wash it regularly to avoid any funky smell. Keeping an extra small towel or handkerchief can be a lifesaver in this rainy season.

Keep a small zip pouch for used napkins or clothes; wet things sitting loose in your bag can lead to mould or a musty odour.

5.  Waterproof Pouch Or Ziplock Bags (A Must for Electronics)

Your phone, power bank, wallet, earphones, and IDs need protection from surprise drizzle. Always keep 2–3 zip lock bags or a small waterproof pouch in your bag. You can also use a reusable silicone pouch; they're eco-friendly and stylish too.

If you're carrying documents, notebooks, or a book, slip them into a plastic sleeve or file. Water-damaged papers are every student and professional's worst nightmare in this rainy season.

Also Read: Rainy Day Essentials For Every Type Of Commuter: From Office To School Goers

6. Travel-Size Sanitiser And Wet Wipes

Monsoon means mud, bacteria, and germ buildup. So, keeping your hands clean becomes even more important. Carry a small hand sanitiser and antibacterial wet wipes to freshen up after a mucky commute or public transport ride. They're great for wiping your hands, your phone screen, or even the inside of your bag.

Pro tip: Go for alcohol-based sanitisers and unscented or mild-scented wipes to avoid allergies or overpowering smells.

7.  Waterproof Makeup Essentials (If You Wear Makeup)

If you're someone who likes a little glam, your rainy-day makeup kit needs to be low-maintenance and water-resistant. Carry just a few waterproof staples like:
    •    A smudge-proof kajal or eyeliner
    •    Tinted lip balm (moisture + color!)
    •    Matte compact or blotting paper to manage humidity-induced shine

Don't carry your full makeup bag. Stick to mini sizes or sample tubes that won't take up much space and are available on the go.

8. Moisturiser Or Lip Balm

Believe it or not, your skin can feel drier in monsoon due to humidity and moisture. So don't ditch your moisturiser or lip balm. A small travel-size tube or stick will do.

Choose something non-greasy and lightweight because you want hydration, not stickiness. For lips, go for balms with a tint and SPF if you're out during the day.

9. Power Bank Or Extra Charging Cable

Monsoon means longer traffic jams, unpredictable delays, and power cuts. Your phone is your lifeline, helping in navigation, calls and work; therefore, running out of phone battery when you're stuck in the rain is the worst. Keep a fully charged power bank or at least an extra charging cable in your bag.

Carrying a waterproof pouch for your power bank is highly recommended.

10. A Small Snack Or Energy Bar

Rainy weather can delay your lunch plans or cause sudden hunger during travel. Always carry a snack that doesn't spoil easily, like a granola bar, roasted nuts, trail mix, or a mini chocolate bar. It's comforting and energy-boosting, especially on long commutes.

Avoid perishable or messy snacks and choose something sealed and light. 

Rain is beautiful, but only when you're prepared for it. Packing your monsoon bag can make your life smoother and more comfortable. The best part? Once you pack these essentials into your everyday bag, you're free to enjoy the season with fewer problems.

So go ahead, build your own monsoon kit, and take the season in stride. Let the rain fall, you've got this. Shop now on Amazon.