5 post-holiday essentials you need to pack

  • Stubble & Co
  • Tips & Ideas

One moment you’re sitting on a beach, cold drink in hand, relishing in this time to decompress. Next, you're back at home checking through the backlog of emails, gearing yourself up for the work week ahead.

We all know the feeling. That epic summer holiday drawing to a close, soon to be replaced with the familiar routine: early morning alarms, bulk meal prep, and lunchtime gym classes.

Even for the best of us, getting back into the swing of the real world can be hard, and the office is no exception. A trick for making it easier? We believe this starts before you even leave the house in the morning: with a thoughtfully packed bag.

To take the load off you, we’ve compiled a list of five essentials that’ll set you up for success.

1. Tech Bag

4.9 stars from 227 reviews

Tech Bag

Picture this: you’re typing away at your desk and realise your laptop is running low on battery. You reach into your bag for the charger, but you're met with a tangled ball of cables that could be for anything and everything. No more. It’s time to organise your tech. Keep your wires, chargers, AirPods, and other miscellaneous items like pens and keys neat and easily accessible all in one place.

A studio shot of the interior of the tech bag, packed with the daily essentials in a black tech bag
A man placing a tech bag into a Hybrid Backpack 20L in Sand

2. Book or Kindle

Opening up a book and reading (or listening to) something new each day has been linked to increased cognitive function, better sleep, and reduced stress. What more could you want for returning to work? From self-help books to historical podcasts, there’s plenty of ways you can take in a few words or pockets of knowledge each day.

What we’re reading/listening to in the office right now:

  • Book: Ikigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life (a self-help book exploring the journey of defining one’s purpose through a combination of practical advice and cultural insight, including interviews with Okinawans on the matter).
  • Substack: Proof you can do hard things (a thought piece by Nat Eliason on why the more hard things you push yourself to do, the more competent you will see yourself to be).
  • Podcast: Short History Of (a weekly series with each episode taking you back in time on a different topic throughout history, looking at everything from the gladiators to the Modern Olympics.
  • Podcast: Acquired (a number one technology podcast deep diving into the backstories of the world’s most successful companies).

3. Packable Tote

4.8 stars from 235 reviews

Packable Tote

You’ve just got back from holiday, so you’re likely to have a long list of errands to run. Streamline your week by adding a Packable Tote to your work bag. Light and portable, slotting perfectly into your set-up. You’ll be covered when picking up those groceries or other essentials whilst on your way home after work.

A packable Ultra Light Tote Bag with small annotation of how it backs into a pouch
A woman carrying an Off-White tote bag and wearing a black crossbody bag
Person wearing the All Black packable Ultra Light Tote Bag
a close up of a woman holding an Off-White tote bag at her side

4. Travel-sized toiletries

This one is for the after work gym-goers, lunch-time runners, and everything in between. Toiletries like deodorant and shower gels can take up unnecessary space in our bags. The small change of opting for travel sized alternatives makes these on-the-go necessities more accessible and optimised for space. Go one step further by storing them all together in a compact Pencil Case or Packing Cube 2.5L.

5. Packable Jacket

If you’re in the UK, you’ll be accustomed to getting caught out by the rain when you least expect it. Even in the summer months, a freak shower can strike at any moment. A packable jacket will take up little space in your work carry, but will be a big help for when the weather takes a turn and your only route from the office to the bus stop or train station is by foot out against the elements.

an interior shot of a packed All Black Kit Bag 30L on a bench

Laptop Bags

Now for the ideal laptop bag to pack all of these essentials into. No matter who you are, we’ve got you covered:

The minimalist

You’re the one who’s looking to carry your laptop and work essentials only. Bags ideal for you are:

  1. Roll Top 15L
  2. Everyday Backpack 15L
  3. Laptop Tote 20L
The gym-goer

You’re the one who’s looking to carry a little bit extra, such as a workout kit or running shoes. Bags ideal for you are:

  1. Roll Top 20L
  2. Kit Bag 30L
  3. Hybrid Backpack 20L
The Explorer

Whether it’s business travel or packing for a weekend getaway, you’re the one who needs some extra space in your set-up. Bags ideal for you are:

  1. Hybrid Backpack 30L
  2. Kit Bag 40L
  3. Roll Top 30L
A man putting a laptop into an All Black Kit Bag 30L

13" Laptop
Compartment

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A woman placing a laptop in the laptop compartment in the everyday backpack 15l

16" Laptop
Compartment

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A man sitting on an airport bench putting a laptop into a Wheeled Kit Bag 40L in All Black

17" Laptop
Compartment

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