Good-to-Have Non-Essentials:
- Cell Phone: Many people never leave home without their cell phone. You can use it to stay connected or call 911. But phones keep getting smarter and now you can leave behind many other gadgets as apps will play music and audiobooks, show you where you are on a map, suggest a route, store electronic books for reading when you stop, and even act as a flashlight.
- First Aid: It's wise to always carry a couple of bandaids, disinfecting wipes, and pain relievers. You never know when you're going to trip over a raised sidewalk edge. Road rash stories
- Whistle: An emergency signal whistle is one of the essentials for hiking. For urban use, a rape whistle is not a bad idea for summoning help.
- Snack: If you only go on short walks, you probably don't need a snack. But if you find yourself out for longer periods of time with a growling stomach, start packing along an energy bar or even a couple of fig newtons. Energy snacks
- Comb: Hat hair happens. I like to be prepared to redo my hairdo during or after a walk.
- Umbrella: You can use an umbrella if it rains. But it is also well-known that just carrying an umbrella reduces the chance of rain. An umbrella can also be deployed if you are being attacked by a dog.
- Reading material: Some of us are reading addicts, and if we are going to go out for a walk and stop for a coffee or lunch, or will have to wait for a bus, it's great to have something handy to read rather than scrounging for leftover newspapers.
- Stick: A single stick or trekking poles are great for stability on natural trails. But in an urban environment, you can also learn to use a stick as a weapon to defend against muggers or attacking dogs. Walking poles
