Ultralight Gear list for Hospital Visitors

When your brother, mother, father, sister, girlfriend or whomever is in the hospital it is a traumatic and all consuming event. I know because this just recently happened to me and I found myself all of a sudden in a situation I thought I might have to make the decision to “pull the plug.”

We haven’t had to make that decision, but after a week or two you start to take it on as a matter of lifestyle. In my case I was basically living at the hospital or in my van. I took on the night shift. I ended up with the following kit that kept me entertained and “working” on things because my brother wasn’t always awake. Below is a list in no particular order.

My Backpack of Choice

Picture Organic S24 backpack that is in my opinion 99% perfect for an urban daypack. The 1% is the fact that the stitching is not at all burly, so there’s already issues. Also the zipper is pretty weak, but at least it is “self repairing.” I can carry an extra layer, thin laptop, notebooks, novel, water bottle, electronic accessories and other assorted small items including snacks and it is not bulky looking at all. For comparison the overall dimensions are much smaller than my Rhake IV Mission Workshop backpack but I can carry far more.

It is not waterproof, but I ran into lots of snow and some light rain, which it shedded just fine with its DWR finish.

Notebook Organizer

The S24 backpack COMES WITH a small zippered pouch which is apparently for electronics, but I used it to organize my notebook and associated writing stuff.

Smallest pocket contains a Moleskine reporter style sketchbook (heavy paper that can be torn out individually). It has no elastic band. Also a multicolor pen for drawing (rather than having multiple colored pens). A fine point marker style pen. A mechanical pencil with eraser rounds out the writing tools.

Middle sized pocket contains a Lechtturm notebook and rite in the rain (essentially a space pen) pen.

Large pocket contains a “workbook” of some kind that requires having notebooks and interacting versus just a novel or something. Also I have refills for the pens because this pocket is zippered and stamps for thank you notes.

I like this author China Mieville, and the Kraken is IMHO a good place to start!

Book

I’m a fan of novels, but regardless of choice, this should be paperback. In other words, lightweight! In the early days just a magazine is good because I for one could not focus on anything for very long. So a magazine is small, lightweight and you can just stare at it.

Airpods

I can connect to laptop or phone with these. Also you might be on the phone a ton, so this helps with fielding phone calls when hands are full. I know I was the hub of communication! Mine are three year old basic apple ones. I also have a silicone glow in the dark case.

Wireless Bluetooth (BT) Mouse

If your laptop is connected to the TV in the room, you won’t be near it. You can use this or the Airpods to control it from a distance. Being bluetooth means no need for use of a USB port.

Computer / Laptop

I have a Macbook Air in rose gold with a clear hard snap on case. I also have the octopus so I can connect memory cards, HDMI cables (also carry a cable!) and whatever else I need.

You can probably connect a USB A or HDMI cable to the TV in the room. Do it if they don’t have movies. There are many good reasons for this.

USB C (small guy) and USB A (big guy)

Charging

Don’t worry about wireless charging as there’s not enough counter space ever! Too much other stuff like flowers and snacks and purses cluttering everything up. Ideally you’d have one brick with a usb c and a ports that is a fast charger. I just used what I had which was the macbook usb C brick, which is fast charging and a very strong usb c to c cable. Secondly I had a samsung usb A brick which is fast charging with a strong cable that had usb C, lightning and micro usb on the other end.

Utensils

You’ll want to eat, and get sick of using crappy plastic utensils, not to mention throwing them all away. I have a swiss army knife style fork/spoon knife (note no knives in the hospital, but this one is shitty). I also have a double ended titanium backpacking spork thingie. You only really need one, but two is nice.

Koozie, coozy, cozy….whatever you want to call these things!

Coozy

I have a slim coozy for cold drinks before, during or after the hospital. Good for keeping hands warm, beer or other drinks cold and also beer disguised from certain eyes (note no boozy bevvies in the hospital!)

Matches interior of my bag and just the right size. Link to this one.

Flask

Again, this isn’t allowed, but I have a non standard flask shape and the color matches the inside of my bag. So even if the bag is open you might not notice it. You only need enough for 3 to four small drinks. I had expensive Irish Whiskey. If you want to get fancier there is a book that has “flask cocktails” in it you can buy online.

The move is to get a cup full of crushed ice and then just pour in the booze. Let it sit for a few minutes and melt. Then you have essentially what tastes like the best and last bit of a whiskey on the rocks!

Also, patients love love LOVE the crushed ice because they can’t eat anything and it’s super dry in the hospital. They cannot get enough of it. Do it!

Kleenex vs. tissue…this brand just works. The water is crap because they’re owned by Pepsi or coke and so the Ph is way too high and kills your teeth though.

Water Bottle

I recommend the Smart Water style bottles. Lightweight and carry up to One Liter. Also thin.

Hygiene / Dopp Kit

Get some eye wipes. I got styes in the hospital, they are antibacterial and can be found in any pharmacy. Ocusoft and Systane are two brands.

Toothbrush and toothpaste can be found in the hospital, probably in his room. Just take one. I used the Quip brand toothbrush. Anything else the hospital should be able to provide “for the patient” wink wink.

Also steal napkins from the cafeteria because shit happens.

I like this one. Warm, cuts down on most of the wind too if outside. My “go to” hoody. Plus Patagonia is a great company. Lighter weight options (but not as “cozy”) are anything Polartec Alpha also the Kuhl The One Hoody.

Clothing

I always had a super warm top on, regardless of jacket. Usually a hoody is best because it keeps neck and head warm. If no hood I had a hat and a buff or scarf to make sure and keep neck warm. This was winter mainly and spring so my outer jacket was usually something warm and super lightweight. I have a Cumulus Incredilite because I’m a winter/jacket aficionado and sometimes ice climber.

A super lightweight rain jacket or hoody when the weather gets better in spring is good. But always something warm to wear inside. Merino wool is a good choice because less washing is required due to its self cleaning and stain fighting nature.

Gamers

I would not recommended a game system. The noises may be annoying to the patient. Also you’re going to be too into a game and may miss something that could be a medical problem or a special moment.

Rovyvon A5 with glow in the dark and natural color white side lights. Link.

Has a red mode and various levels of white. Super simple. Had it for years. Link.

Light

I had a headlight with red/dim beam for reading in the room and not disturbing the patient.

I also had a Rovyvon A5 with glow in the dark body and white side light for reading. The clip and magnets allowed me not to have anything on my head.

There are infinite varieties. The actual Gear Ties brand will last MUCH much longer than generic versions. Link.

Gear Ties

I had one of these for the charging cables. I used it for the cables but also to hold/suspend a light or phone so things weren’t on the dirty floor, or so I could watch a video hands free. I’m sure there are other options, but this is minimal and performs multiple functions.

Snacks

Have bars/shelf stable items in your bag at all times. I once ate 5 bars for lunch because I couldn’t leave. Also the patient may enjoy one! (assuming they’re cleared to eat it!). Anything flat and healthy is good. Sugar is bad because it causes a crash and lowers your immune system.

And that’s it. Any questions just holler. Hopefully your family pulls through whatever health danger they’re in. Go see a therapist, accept help. It’s fucking hard. Good luck!