You'll use your mission bag every day and carry your daily essentials wherever you go. It can get heavy and uncomfortable, so the right bag can make a real difference to your mission experience.
I hear often from those preparing to serve, that they are looking for the perfect mission bag. That is good! You want to find one that meets your needs and "perfection" in a bag is defined differently by each missionary. Everyone has different preferences , comforts, tastes and priorities. So as you begin your search, it is important for you to know what you will be carrying around with you. Understanding this will help you determine what you should be looking for in that perfect bag!
Here are some items you might carry in your bag:
- Scriptures
- Preach My Gospel
- Pass-Along Cards
- Lesson Pamphlets
- Pass-Along Copies of The Book of Mormon
- Wallet
- Phone
- Keys
- IPad/Tablet
- Small notebook
- Daily Planner
- Small Hymnal
- Plan of Salvation Puzzle
- White Handbook
- Pens/Pencils
- Hand Sanitizer
- Small First-Aid Kit and other medicine
- Sewing Kit
- Umbrella
- Water Bottle
- Lotion
- Chapstick
- Food: sometimes you are out of your apartment all day!
- Mints
- Clothing items: Scarves, Gloves, Hat, Poncho, Jacket, Rain Shoes, etc.
- Any other items needed for Church/Lessons/Activities
Some items are universal; others depend on the missionary. This is not an all-inclusive list, and what you carry can vary from day to day.
You will often carry more than you expect, so keep that in mind as you choose your mission bag!