7 work commute essentials that will make your journey less stressful
If you’re working from the office more frequently, these accessories will help ease the stress of your work commute.
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Active noise-cancelling headphones can help you tune out distractions during the daily commute. Photo: Amazon.sg
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Love it or loathe it, the weekday commute on public transport has once again become a part of the routine for many workers in Singapore as offices reduce or cancel work-from-home arrangements. To help make your rush-hour commute less stressful, we’ve compiled a list of helpful accessories that can smoothen your journey and elevate your mood.
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Cap Bottle (18oz, Stone) (S$32.26; Usual Price: S$43)
From iced cold brews to hot cappuccinos, you won’t worry about spilling your morning power-up beverage with this 532ml Hydro Flask bottle thanks to its flexible cap that’s leakproof when closed. The pro-grade stainless steel is BPA and toxin-free and the manufacturer says it won’t transfer flavours, so you can switch from orange juice on Mondays to coffee on Tuesdays. It will also keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours thanks to its TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation. So even if you forget about your drink during a busy workday, you can still enjoy your belated beverage at the right temperature on the journey home.
- 532ml capacity
- TempShield insulation – beverages stay cold up to 24 hours, or hot up to 12 hours
- Leakproof cap
Kuston Sports Gym Bag (Black) (S$53.40)
Hitting the gym before or after work? This lightweight, 35l bag offers plenty of storage without being too bulky for the train or bus. The six multifunctional compartments include a separate zip pocket for your phone and wallet and a waterproof section for damp clothes or towels. The shoulder strap is adjustable and detachable, while the luggage belt allows it be strapped onto a suitcase, where it can pull double duty as a travel bag. Sneakers can be tucked away in the breathable shoe compartment, easily accessed from the side but isolated from you’re the rest of your office gear.
- Made of waterproof, anti-theft oxford fabric
- Separate, breathable shoe compartment
- Waterproof zipper pocket for wet clothes/towel
KNIRPS US.050 Ultra Light Slim Manual Umbrella (Blue) (S$60.77)
What happens when you unleash German know-how on the humble foldable umbrella? You get this ultra-light (115g) umbrella which offers a 90cm-wide shelter while folding to just 21cm, easily fitting into handbags and back pockets. Made by Knirps – which means “little guy” in German – the umbrella’s been tested in a wind-tunnel. Its steel and fibreglass ribs can withstand winds of up to 100kmh. While that may sound like over-engineering, anyone who’s endured the ignominy of having a cheap umbrella collapse in strong winds will appreciate the peace of mind that offers.
- Frame tested in wind tunnel – withstands up to 100kmh winds
- Made of water repellent, quick drying fabric
- Offers 90cm-wide coverage while being only 21cm in length when closed
Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless Headphones (Black) (S$89; Usual Price S$139)
If you want a small, light set of earbuds that offers good sound quality, this Sony set should be on your shortlist. Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine helps restore high-frequency elements to compressed audio tracks for an improved listening experience. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of music on a single charge, while in-case charging can offer an additional 10 hours of battery life. If you’re the forgetful type, it supports fast USB Type C charging – 10 minutes of charge time provides one hour of listening time.
Running to the bus stop in a drizzle or fitting in a pre-work gym session? The earbuds are IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance. And if your boss calls to ask why you’re not at your desk, the reliable Bluetooth connectivity and stereo voice calls ensure they will hear your excuses loud and clear.
- Fast USB Type C charging – 10 minutes charge for 60 minutes of music
- Higher-quality sound with Sony’s Digital Sound Enhancement Engine
- Small earbuds offer a secure, yet comfortable fit
While wearing your access card on a lanyard around your neck is convenient, the default workplace-issue plastic card holders detract from your latest office-glam looks.
Treat yourself to this luxe leather access card holder with a matching lanyard in the same richly grained cowhide. Available in 12 different colours – from classic black to sorbet pink – the card holder can also be personalised with your name (or any text you’d like) in five shades of foil, including rose gold and silver.
- Made with beautifully grained cowhide leather
- Can be personalised
ALPAKA Bravo Tote (S$159.77)
The briefcase-style bags that are bundled with your laptop may be free, but they’ll cost you style points. This ALPAKA Bravo Tote, which features a detachable padded cross-body strap is a smart alternative. Two soft-touch, fleece-lined sleeves each offer space and protection for 16-inch laptops or tablets. Internal and external pockets cater for items like cameras, chargers and water bottles. Its integrated key tether keeps small items like keys and pens on hand.
Made of Axoflux reclaimed fabric – which uses up to six plastic bottles per bag – the Bravo Tote is weatherproof and hardy. Thoughtful touches like YKK zippers and a light grey ripstop nylon lining offer improved durability and make this tote a stylish alternative to drab office-worker backpacks.
- Weatherproof, zero-waste reclaimed fabric
- Length: 38cm, depth: 14cm, height: 35cm
- Two sleeves which fit up to 16-inch Macbook Pro and tablet
Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless headphones (Black) (S$314 with promo code; Usual Price: S$349)
The train journey is a good opportunity to zone out to your favourite playlist, so don’t let ambient noise detract from your listening experience. The Sennheiser Accentum Plus over-ear headphones feature Adaptive Hybrid ANC (active noise-cancelling) technology that adjusts dynamically to changing noise levels. Its angled transducers help create a wider soundstage for a more immersive listening experience – great if you’re catching up on your favourite K-drama or listening to a live performance. It also offers up to 50 hours of battery life and charges quickly – a 10-minute charge offers up to five hours of playtime. Till March 10, keying in the “CNA15AP” promo code at checkout gets you a S$15 discount, in addition to the S$20 voucher that’s currently available on Amazon.
- Up to five hours of playtime on a 10-minute charge
- Up to 50 hours of battery life
- Adaptive Hybrid ANC technology
Whether you find the office commute stressful or feel it serves as a psychological buffer between work and home, these products can help ease the transition to and from work.
Tech enthusiasts will appreciate the organisation of the ALPAKA Bravo Tote, while those who want a superior audio experience on the go should try out the Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless earbuds or noise-cancelling prowess of the Sennheiser Accentum Plus Wireless headphones. If space is limited, the KNIRPS US.050 Ultra Light Slim Manual Umbrella is a perfect wet-weather option. Office fashionistas can opt for the Bynd Artisan access card holder and lanyard, while those headed to a strength training session with the Kuston Sports gym bag will want to bring along the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Flex Cap bottle for a refreshing swig between sets.
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