Blokes are lucky. Most of the time, they only have to ensure they have their phone, keys, travel card and beer money to survive the day. And a photo of Barry John*.

For women it’s slightly different. Like it or not, travelling light isn’t so simple. Plus, it’s so much easier to enjoy yourself if you’re comfortable and feel good. And yes, I was a Girl Guide and I do believe in being prepared.

There was a freezing fog this night. It was the coldest match I’ve ever experienced. Luckily, I had brought extra layers and a blanket to cover our laps.

If I turn up to a game after a ride, I’ll only have the basics that I fit in my jersey pockets. If I’m planning to be out the whole day, I have a capacious handbag and it’s tempting to fill it up. That can weigh me down, especially when there’s nowhere to place it except on a dirty beer-soaked carpet (yuck) or urine-dashed terrace (no_words).

So, now I’ve made my excuses, these are my essentials, i.e. what I can’t do without:

• Aforementioned (fully-charged) phone, keys, travel card and beer/ticket money (cash & cards). Tip – stash spare keys somewhere just in case.
• Lip gloss and chapstick. For being outside in all weathers.
• Basic make-up for repairs.  I find the No7 Smoky Powder Eyeliner in brown a really useful bit of kit (it’s brilliant as eyeshadow and eyeliner and doesn’t suffer if you drop it like set powders do). Mascara. BB cream or similar.
• A small can of spray deodorant – great to freshen up. When it’s freezing outside, some clubs can be unbearably warm.
• Painkillers & a couple of antihistamines – a pesky bit of pain could ruin your afternoon/evening but can be easily knocked on the head.
• Tissues – a small, unscented pack. My eyes often run in bright light and raccoon eyes isn’t an attractive look. Plus there’s never any loo roll when you really need it.

For when there’s a little more space:

• Small emery board – because you don’t want a hangnail to annoy you all day.
• Small tube of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula hand cream. Great stuff.
• Tampon/condom – just in case I get unlucky/lucky. *winky thing*
• Hairband & serum to smooth flyaways. Comb. Because the wind does such great things to your hair…
• Sunglasses. I have a habit of forgetting and leaving these on my head all night.
• An extra layer – something like an Icebreaker long-sleeve, merino base layer.
• My singing voice.

More extreme, to cover inclement weather and going pubbing/clubbing after the game, aka ‘How big’s the handbag?’:

• More layers plus gloves, scarf, hat and socks. If really cold, merino leggings to slip under jeans.
• A ‘going out’ top and alternative pair of heels e.g. a pair of strappy sandals.
• Jewellery to pep up an outfit.
• FULL make-up kit.
• Perfume  (my favourite is Angel Schlesser but it’s really difficult to get hold of now).
• A smaller handbag, so I can check in/store the large handbag and don’t have to carry it around.

And then there’s away trips in a backpack:

• Reading/writing material – usually my notebook or Kindle (although it’s rare I get them out as we’re too busy chatting). A pen.
• Extra tissues and hand/baby wipes. Because you really don’t know what the loos will be like where you’re going. Trust me on that one.
• A bottle of water.
• Liquid refreshments of a different kind *winky*, and a corkscrew/bottle opener (nothing worse than staring at a bottle of booze that you can’t open).
• Snacks – sweet and savoury. Nothing too messy, and usually something to soak up the alcohol.
• Songbooks.

It may sound like rather a lot, but I’ve always found confidence and comfort helps you enjoy your day out even more. Let me know if you think it’s too much, or there’s something you’ve forgotten!

 

*I confess, I don’t currently carry a picture of Barry John, but have relied on a diplomatic disappearance. I really must rectify this.