Tips for what to pack in your Midsize City Survival Kit

NEW YORK — The New York Times recently asked readers of its morning newsletter, New York Today, to recommend items that have helped them out in a pinch — the stuff they carry to be ready for whatever may come their way.

The NYT chose 10 essential items, but who needs a backup MetroCard in Chattanooga? Or earplugs for the noisy subway? Or a fan for a stuffy train platform?

Here’s a pared-down list perfect for a Midsize City Survival Kit, the overlooked essentials that can make the transition from Big Apple to Scenic City. All cost less than $25.

TAPE MEASURE

$3.99

“A small tape measure takes up very little space in my bag, and I always seem to find a need for it while shopping for apartment stuff. My spouse and I are in the process of rearranging our living room and have been on the lookout for a small vintage table to round out the look, but it has to be less than 12 inches deep. The tape measure in my bag comes in handy to weed out potential table candidates.”

NYLON TOTE

$20

“I carry a nylon tote in my purse, and it serves a multitude of uses: as a tote when I decide to buy street-vendor fruit, as a seat cover when a bench is wet or dirty and as an emergency rain hat!”

For an even cheaper option, go with a $5 pashmina scarf or free plastic bags.

DENTAL FLOSS

$3.79

“Always in my purse: dental floss, which I have on occasion substituted for string. One time I was playing tennis and the shoelace on my tennis shoe broke. I wanted to finish our match, so I pulled the dental floss out of my bag, and it became an instant shoelace. It actually lasted two more matches. I was once at a picnic with no knife to cut a cake. Dental floss to the rescue again! We had beautifully sliced chocolate layer cake.”

MAKEUP WIPES

$2.69 for a pack of seven

“Cleans sticky fingers from a street vendor, dirt off bags or shoes and tables at coffee shops. It’s a cooling cloth when I’m overheating walking uptown. And, of course, cleaning makeup off supersensitive skin when I get done going out at night — because as soon as I get home, I am collapsing into bed.”

Alternatively, you can use baby wipes or stain remover wipes.

DEODORANT

$1.99 for a travel size

“Deodorant has a dual purpose — obviously underarm, but if you’re wearing a dress or shorts and you start to chafe, rolling the deodorant on your thighs is a game changer. My college roommate showed me this, and I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know.”

PHONE CHARGER $12.99

“A precharged, portable quick phone charger is always useful, especially for beach trips … or picnics … .”

WATER BOTTLE

$14.99

“It’s there for me in the winter in dry, overheated … buildings. In the stifling heat, I throw in ice cubes so my cold water keeps me from melting on the subway platform. Bonus: I don’t have to spend money or waste plastic buying bottled water.”