7 Wise Rainy Season Investments for the Commuter
Filipinos are no strangers to the brutal effects of rainy weather. From slight drizzles to full-blown storms, Mother Nature has a harsh set of moods that a lot of us have already dealt with firsthand. During the rainy season, it’s not unusual to hear about severe thunderstorms and the resulting floods—both of which bring hassles and safety hazards to the average commuter.
While it’s true that Filipinos have admirable resiliency, it still pays to be a bit more prepared for when the storms hit. If you’re a commuter who braves the elements every day, here are a few life-saving essentials that may make your ordeal a bit lighter this rainy season.
Umbrella
The umbrella is your first line of defense against rain. Aside from that, an umbrella can also give you sufficient protection when the sun suddenly starts to shine. Big umbrellas are most efficient for rainy weather, but a small foldable umbrella would suffice if you want something more portable. When buying umbrellas, make sure to avoid the flimsy ones that are more likely to flip and get damaged by strong winds.
Raincoat and Rain Jacket
Budget-conscious folks may not see the immediate need to buy rainy-day apparel, but it’s important to understand how big of a difference protective clothing can bring in terms of comfort and health. Bear in mind that quality raincoats and jackets can be a bit pricey, but your body will be grateful if you invested in apparel designed to weather the bad weather. If you’re a bit short on funds, you can always use a credit card or secure funds through a quick-apply loan app to purchase your urgently needed rainwear.
For an added layer of protection, you may opt to buy a raincoat to bring with you while traveling. Raincoats provide optimal coverage for your clothes and body, helping you stay dry and avoid contracting typical rainy-day ailments like the common cold. When picking a raincoat, opt for those with a long hood that can fully cover your head.
If you find raincoats too cumbersome to bring, you can always buy a disposable rain poncho instead. These items are lightweight and typically easier to store. Alternatively, you can buy a foldable rain jacket instead of a raincoat. The ideal rain jacket is made from quick-dry fabric and fashionable enough to wear as part of your outfit. It’s best to buy slightly bigger jackets that give you enough warmth when you wear them over your clothes.
Rain-Friendly Footwear and Accessories
Rain boots are another great investment worth making for the rainy months. Walking while your feet are soaking wet is an unpleasant experience and a sure way to invite harmful bacteria from street puddles and floodwater. If you want to stay stylish while protecting your feet, consider buying rain boots in ankle-height or high-cut designs.
On the subject of footwear, you may want to consider alternatives to rain boots that you can wear during less severe weather. Vinyl, leather, or rubber shoes are great choices for light downpours. Aside from being waterproof, these kicks can go with your outfit.
And if you really must wear other shoes like ballet flats or sneakers, you can still protect them through plastic shoe covers. These nifty accessories can be easily stored in your bag and keep your shoes from sustaining water damage.
Power Bank and Phone Charger
Even during calm weather, commuters know that a power bank is an absolute must-have. After all, no one wants to be stranded in a bus terminal with a dead phone and no readily available source of power. If you don’t have one already, consider buying a high-capacity power bank for your go-to gadgets.
Ideally, your power bank should have a 20,000mAh capacity to ensure sufficient juice for your chargeable devices until you get home. And of course, don’t forget to fully charge your power bank and bring cables that fit your gadgets’ USB ports. It would also be wise to bring your phone’s charger in case you come across publicly available electrical outlets in cafes, waiting areas, and the like.
Waterproof Cases
Anyone who has ever owned a smartphone can attest to the fact that water damage can be devastating to gadgets. To protect your devices, you may want to buy a waterproof pouch for your phone and additional Ziploc bags for other items—including important documents you might be bringing along. You can find waterproof cases for phones as well as larger gadgets like laptops in e-commerce stores.
On a related note, you can find similar protective covers for bags in various online stores. We all know that wet backpacks can be a nuisance, but a simple bag cover can keep your bag safe and dry amid torrential rains.
Whistle, Flashlight, and Batteries
Most smartphones already have built-in flashlights, but a separate flashlight can come in handy when your phone dies or the road is particularly dark during a blackout. That said, you should also have extra batteries in hand to keep your flashlight juiced up. Whistles, on the other hand, are generally useful for getting attention during emergencies. Needless to say, the critical scenarios that necessitate the use of these items are endless.
Health Insurance
Apart from all the essentials mentioned on this list, it’s also important to invest in options for medical coverage. You can get sick from being exposed to harsh weather, and as such, you need good health insurance to ensure that medical expenses will not leave huge dents in your funds. You also need periodic checkups to know where your health stands, especially since you’re exposed to a slew of contaminants while commuting. Investing in insurance options can help you stay on top of your health—and make regular checkups a lot less financially burdensome.
Weathering the Storms Wisely
With the Philippines’ precarious tropical climate, having a can-do attitude is not enough. Apart from dealing with the consequences of bad weather, commuters must also battle an all-encompassing state of being weathered down. Still, it’s possible to protect our health and wellness through actions such as making practical investments for rainy days. Mother Nature can be harsh, but as long as we come prepared, we can be less helpless in the face of seemingly insurmountable storms.