21 Things to Have on You When You Get Stuck on the Subway
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Earlier today, New York’s governor Andrew Cuomo declared that the MTA is in a state of emergency. Ha! As if we didn’t already know that. Between the infamous airless F train and the derailed A train, we’re risking it all every time we commute to work. So with nothing but a hellish subway summer on the horizon, we’ve gathered all of the things to have on you that will keep you calm and cool you off when the inevitable delays hit.
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VersionTech Multipurpose Collapsible Portable Fan
For when you’re stuck on the platform for 20 minutes, thanks to sick passengers at the two previous stops, the highest-rated mini-fan on Amazon. It’s 7.8 inches long (just an inch taller than an iPhone 6s), but it folds completely in half. If you prefer something with a misting option, we’d suggest Insten’s Portable Misting Fan that charges via USB and saved one writer from melting at Disney World.
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Because we have yet to discover the key to a limitless charge, one should always have a backup plan. Also, they’re just prettier.
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A lightweight, easily foldable sweater for when you’re trapped underground in one of those cars with the souped-up AC.
This is sold out, but here is another v-neck cardigan.
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You’ll need to stay hydrated. Our favorite Zojirushi bottle will keep all of your hot drinks boiling hot and cold drinks ice cold, no matter how long you’re underground.
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An expert heavy-sweater recommended these 100 percent cotton Have a Hank bandannas for dabbing the occasional drip (or protecting you from touching the pole, if that’s your thing). We also might suggest going fancy with a monogram hankie.
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Always have a book or something to read that’ll distract you from the endless inching toward the next stop. Maybe stealing something from Hillary Clinton’s reading list, like The Jersey Brothers, because a story about missing naval officers who found their way home from the Pacific won’t make the train seem so bad.
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La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
A thermal-spring misting water to remind you that you’re worth it, even though you still take the train to work.
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Or take the time to reapply sunscreen (which you’re supposed to do every two hours) without ruining your makeup.
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Kind Bars, Blueberry Vanilla & Cashew
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And then you can brush your teeth again, because why not?
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Some gum, to keep your mouth busy so you don’t get antsy.
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The only thing worse than getting stuck on the subway is getting stuck on the subway with a dead phone. New York’s gadget expert Jake Swearingen recommends the Xiaomi, which can store enough juice to completely recharge your phone three times.
Note: This exact charger is sold out, but here is another Xiaomi option.
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A calming lavender oil that’s worked for stressed-out writers on deadline. If lavender’s not your thing, Tata Harper’s aromatic stress treatment, beloved by Strategist editors, smells like rich people and is like taking a Klonopin in scent form.
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From an article in the Gothamist telling the story of the A train derailment two days ago: “One guy was very calm and in a big booming voice said, ‘Everything is under control,’” Duncan added. “That made me feel good, and then he goes, ‘God is in control,’ and I was like, OH GREAT.” Avoid the crazies altogether with Joanna Goddard of Cup of Jo’s favorite earplugs that’ll let you hear any important announcements, but block out all the rest.
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These won’t be your No. 1 headphones, but it’s a pair cheap enough and good enough to buy and just keep in your bag, so you always have something on you. As recommended by a senior editor at Vulture.
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Streamlight Microstream Alkaline Battery-Powered Flashlight
A three-inch-long flashlight in case the lights go out or, god forbid, you have to walk out through the tracks.
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This may be a little much, but why not at least try to carve out a little personal space.
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For those trying to hunker down and just sleep it out, a travel pillow as small and slight as a scarf.
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