What I carry.

As I was putting my thermos in my commuting bag this morning I reflected for a moment on permanent stuff in that bag. It seems to get heavier. Is that because of experience it has more stuff?

A year ago I bought a commuting bag from Arkel. I bought this because (1) it looks like a briefcase (remember I am a stealth bike commuter), and (2) it has the locking mechanism so it doesn't fall off. Before that I used a backpack strapped on the rear rack.

I always have these in the bag:
-Pump. Once a month or so the tyre goes flat. I pump it up, spin it, and usually it stays up for ages. I have slime in the tubes, rarely do I get a flat that doesn't self fix. However once in awhile it just goes down.
-raincoat. I used to select the days but now I always carry it.
-rain pants. to keep mud, not rain off my legs. -headlamps (2) Most days i ride home in the dark.
-taillights (2)
-emergency miniature taillight. Someone sent one, I had to keep it somewhere.
-water bottle. for washing my feet in case they get muddy.
-plastic bag. For covering the seat.
-goggles. I should use everyday but it is not a habit. Lots of dust and grit in the air.
-shoulder strap. Never used it but it is forgotten in a pocket
-screwdriver. Why a big screwdriver? (I do not carry any other tools.) There was a time I didn't have the right middle chain ring, and sometimes the chain would get jammed between smallest and middle chain ring. without something like that it is hard to pull it out.
-pen
-strap for trouser legs.
-cable and lock.
-plastic bag. for covering my seat if it looks like rain.


I should add:
-magazine. Never know when i am twiddling my thumbs waiting for someone.
-multitool. I don't carry a multi tool and I should. I rarely need it and if i take one off the other bike bags i will forget and have a bigger problem.
-tube. It has happened that i have been punctured by bolts.