Searching for a mission bag is a big deal. It becomes a huge part of your mission. You wear it everyday, pack your daily essentials inside and you have to lug it around with you everywhere you go. It can get heavy and burdensome and uncomfortable. It can honestly enhance or dampen your whole 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!

So here is a list of possible items that you will pack away 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 for every missionary, while some are only applicable to some. And this is by no means an all inclusive list. What you carry with you varies even day-to-day. 

But remember that you tend to carry more than you would ever expect to! Keep this in mind while searching for your perfect mission bag!