The Tentative Commuter’s Guide To Going Back Into The Office
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After over a year spent at home, many of us are starting to reenter workplaces and schools under an array of new hybrid formats. And now — with cases of the Delta variant on the rise and the CDC implementing new mask guidelines for vaccinated people — our return to this post-pandemic work/study life is still uncertain. But, for employees and students who are planning to stow away those sweatsuits after 16+ months of trying to do work from home, we’re here to talk products that will help you prep for re-introducing a big commute back to your life.
We’ve lined up a hit-list of essentials that will help you have a safe and stylish trip. Are you an office-goer who’s looking to avoid public transportation? A fresh set of wheels (plus a cute helmet) might be what you need. How about for those of us riding subways and buses? We’ve got travel-sized sanitizing sprays, conveniently compartmentalized laptop bags, comfy shoes suitable for all-day wear, travel mugs, and more to keep you well-equipped. Click forth into our guide for more of everything you need to go “back.”
The pandemic is still ongoing, and our understanding of the best safety practices is continuing to evolve. For the latest recommendations and guidelines, we suggest visiting COVID-related resources provided by your local health department, the WHO, and the CDC, and staying up-to-date about your rights in the workplace. For more news about COVID and how it affects our lives, check out Refinery29’s reporting on the pandemic here.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Evolvetogether Amazonia Face Masks (30 Pack)
As guidance on face coverings continues to evolve, it’s likely at least part of your commute may require donning a face mask.
Stay safe and prepared with this 30-pack of disposable masks. Your order also comes with two biodegradable mask keepers for on-the-go storage.
Shop evolvetogether
evolvetogether Amazonia – 30 Green Face Masks, $, available at evolvetogether
Zara Multi-Colored Glasses and Mask Chain
And of course, you’ll need a trendy mask chain to keep those face coverings accessible in the most stylish way possible.
Shop Zara
Zara Multicolored Glasses and Mask Chain, $, available at Zara
Lysol Disinfectant Spray To-Go Travel Size (8 Pack)
Wherever you are, keep the surfaces around you clean with this Lysol disinfectant spray that kills 99.9 percent of germs in under a minute. These nifty pocket-sized options make cleaning on the go easier than ever.
Shop Amazon
Lysol Disinfectant Spray To Go Travel Size, $, available at Amazon
Wynd Smart Personal Air Purifier
Remove impurities from your immediate personal space at the click of a button. Plus, the device (designed by engineers from NASA and MIT) is compact enough to fit in a cup holder so you can take it with you, and keep your car fresh as well.
Shop Amazon
Wynd Personal Air Purifier, $, available at Amazon
OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set
Make sure you’re keeping your commuter-friendly gear, water bottle included, totally germ-free. This clever contraption offers everything you need to reach every sneaky crevice so you can keep hydrated and clean.
Shop Amazon
OXO Good Grips Water Bottle Cleaning Set, $, available at Amazon
Sonix UV Sanitizing Box
Unwanted germs, be gone! This sanitizing box eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria from small items in just ten minutes and is a more eco-friendly alternative to single-use sanitizing wipes. Use it to clean your phone, keys, or other small essentials after you get home at night.
Shop Anthropologie
Sonix Sonix UV Sanitizing Box, $, available at Anthropologie
Noshinku Pocket Hand Sanitizer (3 Pack)
If there’s one thing that the pandemic has made clear, it’s that hand hygiene is crucial in preventing the spread of infections. These premium organic hand sanitizing misters simplify this already simple practice by fitting right into your pocket.
Shop Verishop
NOSHINKU Pocket Hand Sanitizer Discovery | 3-Pack, $, available at Verishop
Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike
Swapping out public transport for cycling for that AM commute? Co-op Cycles has a wide array of high-quality, adventure-ready bike styles to suit your to-wheeled needs.
Shop REI
Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike, $, available at REI
Thousand Heritage Helmet
This minimalist, retro-inspired bike helmet is made for city riding and has thoughtful features like a secret pop-lock and 1-handed magnetic buckle.
Shop Backcountry
Thousand Thousand Heritage Helmet, $, available at Backcountry
CALPAK Luka Laptop Backpack
If you’re the kind of commuter that’s got a lot of stuff and wants somewhere to store it all, this backpack is for you. It fits laptops up to size 17″ and features multiple exterior and interior compartments — even one for your shoes.
Shop CALPAK
Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack, $, available at CALPAK Travel
YETI Rambler 24-oz Mug
Keep 24 oz-worth of your caffeine — hot or cold — from going warm with this stainless steel travel mug that’s easy to transport during your commute and, unlike other heavy-duty mugs that can only be hand-washed, these are safe to put in the dishwasher when it’s in need of a clean.
Shop YETI
YETI Rambler 24 oz Mug with Magslider Lid, $, available at YETI
Away x Serena Williams The Convertible Tote
Want the chic look of a tote but the ease of a backpack? This sleek, water-resistant option — brought to you by none other than Serena Williams for the luggage brand Away — does both, so you don’t have to choose.
Shop Away
Away The Convertible Backpack Tote, $, available at Away
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
If you’re leaving your house, don’t leave behind the SPF. This face sunscreen features a lightweight, oil-free formula that protects acne-prone and sensitive skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Shop Demstore
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $, available at DermStore
Rothy’s The Essential Tote
If you’re not the backpack type, this lightweight Rothy’s tote offers just as much room for reading materials, chargers, laptops, and whatever else you need outside the house. Plus, it features an interior magnet that attaches to the brand’s The Essential Pouch for extra organization capabilities for those that need it.
Shop Rothy’s
Rothy’s The Essential Tote, $, available at Rothy’s
Rothy’s The Essential Pouch, $, available at Rothy’s
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