City Gear
These are a few items that are recommended to have for an American who is visiting a large European city or Europe in general. These recommendations are based on my experience in Europe as an American and each has come in extremely helpful at some point. These are Amazon Affiliate links so please follow the link if you are going to buy one of these to support our humanitarian mission. Thank you.
Liquid IV
This electrolyte powder has saved me so many times. When you are in heat for a long time and in sunlight you can incur heat injuries. This can include, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and fainting. While you are in extreme high temperatures your ability to make decisions and reason is potentially inhibited as well. Often times you can get into situations that you did not necessarily plan on where the temperature is increased due to windows reflecting sun, concrete radiating heat, and buildings blocking any wind. Always have water on hand but also keep these in case of an emergency and take one before you or anyone gets to the point of showing symptoms of heat injuries.
Water bottle
This particular water bottle has a filter. Most of Europe has very high standards for tap water and you can safely consume water directly from the tap. If you are coming to Ukraine this is not the case. Do not drink UA tap water. Also if there is a time when you need some water but there is only a source that needs to be filtered, bing bang boom, you have a filter.
Compression sack
Some people say they don’t use these but I 100% swear by them. Even if you only have one of these for dirty laundry, It comes in handy to prevent mixing the clean and the funky cloths. I use these also to separate undies, shirts, and other types of clothing.
Mini 20L bag
I cannot explain how grateful I was to have had one of these when I needed it. You can pack these in a small bag and it folds out to be a 20L backpack. The Sea to Summit version is what I have had and used and I can attest that it can hold a great deal of weight and is very tear resistant.
Compass
Having a quick reading of the cardinal directions can save a ton of time and a ton of extra unnecessary miles from taking a wrong path or road. The European city layouts are rarely in a grid pattern and sometimes there are barely perceivable curves and intersections that aren’t at 90 degrees so even an experiences navigator could get a bit turned around. If you have a compass it can clear up the doubt and send you on the right way. Also this is faster and more reliable than a phone especially in bright sunlight or if you need to preserve your phone battery or if you are using the phone for other things. I find having a quick reference compass to be very helpful. You can wear it on your wrist or hang it on your backpack shoulder strap.
