The best commute gadgets to make your journey easier

Unfortunately, working is a part of life for most of us. With the necessity of a job to pay the bills comes the necessity to commute. And commuting is kind of the worst, depending on where you live. If you're in Chicago you can count on at least 45 minutes to get to your job every morning, and then back home. Inclement weather makes it even worse. But what if there was a way to make it just a teeny bit more bearable?

Even though it can be awful, commuting can be a great opportunity to carve out some personal time for yourself. You can take the time to listen to an audiobook or that new album you’ve been itching to hear. Or spend the moments to yourself planning out your workday and what you’d like to accomplish. Whether your commute is via car, train, or walking, we’ve got the best commute gadgets to help you through it.

Nomad Tile Slim Tracking Wallet

If you walk or take the train to work, you know there are pickpockets everywhere. Even the most city-savvy person is at risk. With the Nomad Tile Slim Tracking Wallet, if a thief takes your wallet or your bag with your wallet in it, you can catch them. The wallet holds up to twelve cards along with a secret sleeve for the Tile Slim. Just use the Tile app on your smartphone to locate your wallet anywhere.

Senz° Micro Pocket-Sized Umbrella

The walking portion of your commute can be a major drag when it’s windy or rainy. Carrying a big umbrella with you is a pain because it’s hard to find a good place to store it. And having to lug it around once the wind and rain have passed stinks. Your solution is Senz°. Their Micro Pocket-Sized Umbrella can withstand and block winds of up to 70 kilometers and fits easily in your bag. Bonus? It has UVF50+ protection.

BTwear Mini Portable Handheld USB Fan

Public transportation can be stifling hot and full of, well, public. We’ve all been stuck on a hot, smelly train. And it’s the worst. You’re sitting there wishing you’d swiped your niece’s or nephew’s cartoon character portable fan they got from the amusement park. The BTwear Mini Portable Handheld USB Fan is the more “adult” solution. Whip this out of your bag and say goodbye to the funk and hello to fresh.

Tote-It Shoulder Bag Carrier

Train and walking commuters are well-versed with the dilemma of making stops on the way home. You need groceries for dinner or to grab a few toiletries, and then you’re stuck wrangling a bunch of bags along with your work items. Grab the Tote-It Shoulder Bag Carrier and forget the struggle. This commute tool holds up to 50 pounds on your shoulder and gives your arms and hands a rest.

Dango Products Tethered Coin Capsule Divided Change Carrier

Toll booths are such a hassle. If you don’t have a toll pass or can’t find exact change, you’re stuck going through the long line of people who need change or are paying with a card. And there’s always that one person. Don’t be that person or be stuck behind them. Use Dango Products Tethered Coin Capsule Divided Change Carrier. Fill it with change, throw it in your console, and always have exact change on the highway.

Dapper Design KLIP EDC Titanium Knife

Safety during your commute is paramount. With the Dapper Design KLIP EDC Titanium Knife, you’ll have a safety device on you, as well as a useful addition to your keychain. And it’s not bulky, so you won’t need to worry about the extra room it will take up. Use it in case of an attacker or robber. Use it to cut yourself out of your seat belt if need be in an accident. Or just have it on hand to cut through the tape on those Amazon boxes.

Mahaton Wireless Self-Cleaning Water Bottle

Water is pretty darn important. And if you’re stuck in your car or on a train for long periods of time, it’s important to have it with you. When you’re walking, it’s important to hydrate too. If you have to fill up somewhere between the house and work from a public water source, who knows what’s in the water. The Mahaton Wireless Self-Cleaning Water Bottle has you covered. This self-cleaning water bottle uses a UV-C light on top to sterilize the water inside. You can be sure that what you’re putting in your body is the best.

mophie powerstation PD 6,700 mAh Portable Battery

It happens. You would swear you charged your smartphone or laptop last night. But now you’re on the train and trying to get something done, and you’re out of juice. That’s okay. Just pull out your mophie powerstation PD 6,700 mAh Portable Battery and you’re good to go. You’ll be able to fast charge your device, or two at once—if you made a double oops.

Beats by Dre Solo Pro Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones

The noise on the train is awful. How can you be expected to think, let alone get anything done while there is the cacophony around you? Dre’s got your back. With the Pro Noise-Canceling Over-Ear Headphones, you’ll be able to drown everything out and get the superior sound quality that Beats by Dre is known for. They even change with a Lightning cable to help them integrate with all of your Apple products. Active noise-cancelation technology will respond to your environment by sensing the sound level and respond accordingly. Bonus? Since they’re over the ear, they’re one of the best gadgets to make it clear that you want to be left alone.

You’ll definitely want to grab one or more of the commute items on this list. What are the best commute gadgets to make your journey into work a bit more enjoyable? Have we inspired you to turn your commute into “me” time? Let us know in the comments.