Walking Commute

June 9, 2015 8:54 AM

Due to circumstances outside of my control, I have a walking commute of an hour each way. How can I improve my comfort?

I'm a graduate student who doesn't drive due to low vision. My bus is detoured all summer and no other buses go to my school (well one does but I'd still have to walk 25 minutes which isn't worth it with bus fare).

I do bike sometimes but this is a really unfriendly city to bikers so I will walk most of the time for safety.

I'm overweight, seeing clients/patients mostly not attending class, and thus looking professional is important.

I'm looking for tips and products to make this easier.

Random Information:

-I have a bookbag and a messenger bag
-I avoid carrying my macbook pro due to its weight for my hour walk and usually just take my usb but sometimes I can't avoid it
-I usually have a lunch with me.
-I sometimes listen to music but dislike podcasts
-I wear my rainboots a lot as random unavoidable puddles that never dry up appear a few times on my route
-I always have a water bottle with me
-I'm on a limited budget
-in Ohio. Summer is humid and miserable.

posted by Aranquis to Health & Fitness (41 answers total)

I'm a graduate student who doesn't drive due to low vision. My bus is detoured all summer and no other buses go to my school

Does your city offer paratransit services? I think you might qualify due to your vision preventing you from getting a driver's license. That may be a qualified disability.
posted by tckma at 8:59 AM on June 9, 2015 [17 favorites]

Can you rent a locker of some sort at your school, or have access to an office with a lockable file cabinet? Do you have access to a computer at school?

I usually keep a change of clothes (including suit jackets and such) at work as part of my routine, freeing me up to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for the commute over.

Computer can be avoided by doing most work in the cloud and keep files you need in the cloud or a USB key.
posted by Karaage at 9:01 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Some sort of rolling suitcase or maybe a shopping cart? I know you are on a limited budget but $25-$35 would be worth it to me to be able to carry everything I need. Then you can also bring a change of clothes.
posted by magnetsphere at 9:03 AM on June 9, 2015 [8 favorites]

Summer is humid and miserable.

I've started wearing a tanktop when walking to work and carrying a towel and a fresh shirt with me. If you're walking for an hour, throw a travel-size deodorant in your bag as well.

Also get a hat. You don't want to walk outside for an hour in the sun without a hat.
posted by griphus at 9:04 AM on June 9, 2015 [10 favorites]

Instead of rain boots which must get awfully uncomfortable can you wear sandals like TEVAs or CHACOs that are made to get wet and just keep a pair of dressier shoes at work?
posted by mareli at 9:05 AM on June 9, 2015 [16 favorites]

I walk a lot, sometimes for 2-3 hours a day. It sounds pretty awesome, actually... except for the heat and humidity.

I would equip myself with a sun hat, sunglasses, handkerchief, and a liter of water each way. If it's hot or rainy I would want to wear linen or breathable fabric (something that REI sells). I also have a backpack I use instead of a briefcase or messenger bag.

I like to listen to podcasts when I walk, but after about 30 minutes my mind has calmed so much that I don't need to listen to anything.

Since you have no choice, you have to embrace this. It may actually be the best thing that has ever happened to you, because walking is the perfect exercise. You will lose weight. Your blood pressure will drop. Your legs will become muscular. Your core will become strengthened. Your back will get stronger.

Great opportunity.
posted by Nevin at 9:06 AM on June 9, 2015 [8 favorites]

Response by poster: I don't qualify for paratransit. I have too much residual vision.
posted by Aranquis at 9:07 AM on June 9, 2015

I know you're on a budget, but it's worth investing in hiking boots or walking shoes with good arch support (or whatever is appropriate for your feet), and maybe even getting an off-the-shelf orthotic insert (e.g. Birkenstock does one) that works for you, because dramatically increasing your volume of activity may lead to problems if you've got less than supportive shoes (even if you're just walking).

Can you get an educational discount on an iPad, or pick up an older model from craigslist, maybe pair it with a keyboard? (I have a MBP, and carrying it around is the worst.)
posted by cotton dress sock at 9:10 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Can you take a shower at the gym at school in the mornings? You can move your day up. Plenty of breakfast foods can be eaten while walking. Pack a change of clothes, wake up, eat while you're walking, head to the gym, then do your shower and change into real clothes there and be ready to start your day.

Put together a playlist of songs that go along at a really good walking pace to keep you motivated and going at a steady clip. I have a "walking" playlist on my phone for exactly this purpose. It has things like The Passenger and Devil's Haircut and Picture Book, stuff with a really steady, quick beat to make the time pass faster.

You'll get better and faster at walking. It won't still take you an hour by the end of the summer.
posted by phunniemee at 9:12 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Also, the rec center is about a 20 minute walk from where I intern (which is on campus), so I won't be doing any showering and such. No campus bus service during the summer. I've walked the distance many times before, but I always had an option and could opt out if the weather was bad or I was tired. It has never impacted my weight so I don't expect any benefit there, nor have I increased in speed so realistically it's not going to get any faster and I'm not going to lose any weight.

Also forgot, I have really, really flat feet.

Hope that answers everything.
posted by Aranquis at 9:14 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Skip the rainboots and wear either sandals or wet/dry shoes. If you go with the shoes (I would), get a pair of good insoles. Look for "water shoes" on amazon or whatever.

Get a backpack. TWO STRAPS. Ideally even three (waistband). It sounds like you're unavoidably carrying a good deal of weight/bulk every day - the backpack will hugely decrease the amount of shoulder/back pain you go through. If the bookbag you mention is a backpack it's probably fine, but it's worth spending some money to get a more comfortable bag.

Having a more comfortable bag allows you to more easily carry clean clothes and/or a towel with you.
posted by contrarian at 9:14 AM on June 9, 2015 [13 favorites]

Does your messenger bag have a comfortable, padded strap? I've had my Timbuk2 Classic messenger bag (size small) for 5 years now, and I'm fairly certain it will last another 5. It is very spacious and durable. I linked to Zappos, since they have free returns.

I developed a pinched nerve in my back/neck as a result of a carrying a bag that had hard, skinny straps. Timbuk2 bags are really a lifesaver (I also have some of their other styles). As an added bonus, they offer a lifetime warranty.
posted by invisible ink at 9:17 AM on June 9, 2015

I've been a walker for over 15 years and I strongly endorse getting a backpack that features a waist belt and a chest strap. It makes a huge difference in terms of posture while walking and avoiding back problems when carrying a medium to heavy load. It will tend to make you a bit more sweaty, but I'm going to be a bit sweaty while walking on a warm humid day, anyway.

I'd go for the hiking boots with good support. Keens might also be a good option for the journey if you switch out into something else when you arrive. Rain boots sound miserable.
posted by ursus_comiter at 9:29 AM on June 9, 2015 [7 favorites]

So I walked to my office for a couple years as a grad student.

I'm going to second a couple suggestions - first get a really good pair of water proof walking/hiking shoes that fit your feet. Shop around and find a pair that are really comfortable. I don't have flat. Yes they are going to be pricey, but remember this is your primary mode of transportation, and you only get to have one pair of feet ever, so it's a very good investment. If you have a birthday or the like coming up, help towards getting a pair might be a very good thing to ask for.

Second, you should definitely bring a change of shirts. I usually used the previous days shirt as my walking shirt and then changed in the bathroom stall. It really helped to have a towel to wipe off and maybe do a bit of a sponge bath so I wasn't just soaking through my fresh shirt immediately.

Also, for the water bottle, it's really nice to say, fill it about half full and stick it in the freezer the night before and then fill it the rest of the way before heading out in the morning, so I had nice, ice cold water for most of the walk.

Also if at all possible, get a fan at your desk if you don't have one already. I was always still very hot after my walk after getting in, regardless of the indoor temperature, and being able to sit in front of my fan with it set to high was so, so nice.
posted by Zalzidrax at 9:30 AM on June 9, 2015 [8 favorites]

If you can't shower, then definitely bring some disposable cleansing wipes with you! You can use these not just on your face, but also armpits, cleavage, etc. This will be WAY less trouble than trying to fuck around with washcloths or something.

Also, get some dry shampoo, which is a spray powder that will absorb oil from your hair. These two things in combination will erase any signs of sweatiness. (You may also choose to change your shirt when you arrive.)

Agreed that you should wear the most supportive shoes you can find for the walk and change into different shoes when you arrive.
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:30 AM on June 9, 2015 [9 favorites]

Oh also - if you're not into podcasts, have you considered audiobooks?
posted by showbiz_liz at 9:32 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Beauty wipes--use them mid-walk, as well as when you get there. Also cooling wraps. I wear a camisole tank all summer under my work clothes because I bike to work and bike in the tank, then put on my real shirt at work. Leaving a blazer/summer cardigan/button down at your school is a great idea--if you have a secure place to leave it. As you've already determined, minimizing what you need to carry is going to be key. Look into finding a locker, locking file cabinet or something at school. Talk to your dean of student services, noting that your vision prevents you from driving and that your bus commute is screwed up all summer, and ask for an accommodation to store a change of shoes or clothes or even a small bag of nonperishable lunch foods.

I wear my Croc "Alice" shoes when there are puddles, even though I kind of hate them--they make my feet a little sweaty and I cannot stand them without socks--because they dry quickly, don't get ruined by water, don't slip when wet, fit well and look better than I expected them too. They are less sweaty than rainboots by a long shot. Maybe they'd work for you?

The cargo issue is tough. Backpacks are sweaty; one shoulder bags are uncomfortable; rolling bags are awkward (the handles are bad lengths; they're not good with rough pavement; they're noisy). Of the bad choices, I think a good backpack is your best shot but I don't know enough to make a good suggestion.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:38 AM on June 9, 2015

I don't know what a book bag is, but I think messenger bags are pretty bad for your back if you are carrying lots of stuff in them. Consider buying a backpack with back ventilation.
posted by kinddieserzeit at 9:46 AM on June 9, 2015 [2 favorites]

My son has flat feet. Our family doctor says it's no big deal. It just means we have to be careful when choosing shoes. It's not the support that's the big deal, it's just making sure there isn't too much cushion actually. You could walk bare feet if you like. Orthotics are the biggest scam going.

I use Blundstones for walking. They fit perfectly right away, and I have never had blisters in them.

If there is no shower I wouldn't worry about it. Bring a small hand towel to wipe off the sweat when you arrive at work, an put on deodorant and a clean shirt.

I also have a light backpack with a waist belt and a chest strap.
posted by Nevin at 9:57 AM on June 9, 2015

Frequent commute-walker here. Good commuting shoes really are the most important part of the package, and I prefer sandals for the summer. They don't have to be the perfect orthopedically-optimized walking shoes, as long as they're comfortable and won't fall apart after a few weeks. Tevas or Chacos are a good bet.

If you wear skirts, get a pair of skimmies or similar undershorts. Heat and humidity make my thighs stick together and it can get really painful after a couple miles.

Optional but nice: pack a pair of clean dry underwear to change into after the morning walk. Sweaty undies are not the end of the world, but changing into a fresh pair is an instant improvement.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:09 AM on June 9, 2015 [3 favorites]

You say you don't like podcasts -- would audiobooks be better? If you can afford it, an Audible.com subscription for the summer would let you get some very long audiobooks for cheaper than usual. (Many libraries also have audiobooks they'll loan out.) I've also had luck with the "great lectures" series that Audible offers, although the quality seems to vary. I've been listening to "The Other Side of History" and it's both interesting and a zillion hours long, so it's been filling the time quite nicely.
posted by Narrative Priorities at 10:10 AM on June 9, 2015

Agreed on the awesomeness of wet wipes for staying fresh and clean when you're going places under your own power in questionable weather. That said, unless you're actually trying to remove waterproof makeup, there's no reason to pay extra for the beauty/face-marketed wipes. Unscented baby wipes are much cheaper and larger (and therefore easier to use for things like wiping your feet). Repack them in smaller quantities in sandwich baggies for carrying around with you, and leave a larger container of them at your destination if possible. (Just don't ever flush them. That way lies fatberg.)

A good hat with a wide brim, ventilation, and a neck covering is key -- I don't care how silly it looks, the strap that usually comes on this kind of hat is very good for making sure it stays on your head if there's wind. Sunglasses are also important for avoiding eyestrain, headaches, and UV exposure. If it's possible to leave a pair or two of shoes at school, changing into fresh shoes from your walking ones is another way to feel better once you're there for the day, and allows you to keep your professional ones looking that way without carrying them every time.
posted by asperity at 10:23 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

I had to walk more often than I liked as a grad student in Alabama so I understand (who needs university-sponsored transit in the summer, right? well, the grad students).

Nthing backpack with chest and waistband. I got an expensive trekking pack 10 years ago and I still rely on it. When I need to be professional, I bring another bag in my pack and switch over my wallet, etc. when I reach my office.

Also nthing wearing something better than rainboots to walk in. Teva or Keen or one of those brands that are made to get wet.

But my biggest piece of advice is to just bring an entire change of clothes in your backpack. I bike in and while it's not a hard ride and it's not that warm, it feels so much better to just put on clean dry stuff once I get to work. Wear work-out clothes you already own (assuming you do). I really like long yoga pants for walking because they're short enough to keep from dragging on the ground. If you roll your professional clothes (rather than stuffing them in or even folding them), they'll not be too wrinkled.

Finally, take it slow. Give yourself some time to get to school so that you can take a break if you're too sweaty or hot.

I always frame these long walks as a city/town hike and plan for them like I would a 1 hour hike in the wilderness. Water, a little snack (I need so much food), wicking clothing, comfortable footwear, hat, sunscreen, maybe some motivating music.
posted by hydrobatidae at 10:26 AM on June 9, 2015 [2 favorites]

Have you considered a skateboard? Easier to stop-start than a bike and would allow you to cruise down hills saving you some energy.

My other advice would be calculate what it would cost to take the bus every day and post on Craigslist or Taskrabbit or some other crowdsourcing board with the job of being your chauffeur. You may find a taker or two who's heading that direction anyway!
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:29 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Most campuses have some sort of ride-share program, which could work if you have a regular schedule - a couple dollars to help with gas will get you by informally, especially if it's more as-needed (thunderstorms come to mind-rain poncho) - review all of campus travel options, we are near two commuter train stops, but you have to read the trains' websites for student commuter fares to know if it's viable from home. Campus transit (free) includes both stops.

Call the bus folks and see if you are missing any options.

If thrift shops in your area are not robust, shop for quality used items (backpack) on eBay or use Craigslist, but meet in a public place to confer on a sale.
posted by childofTethys at 10:33 AM on June 9, 2015

To expand audio options - many public libraries have downloadable audio books, ours has CDs if you want to test drive music before making purchasing decisions.
posted by childofTethys at 10:41 AM on June 9, 2015

For walking:

(1) Sturdy breathable shoes. Absolutely 100000% ditch the rain boots. Waterproof shoes, water shoes, walk around the puddles, or sandals that can get wet. Those waterproof boots are making you a million times hotter and sweatier in this weather. I would not get waterproof hiking boots as those make your feet sweat and you don't need quite as much rugged sole.

(2) Backpack with waist band, and a breathable back section if possible. A hiking backpack has a mesh panel on the back, so the actual contents of your backpack are held away from your skin, helping with heat and sweat dissipation. The waist band helps to distribute the weight to your hips rather than your shoulders.

(3) Don't be so fast to cross off the option to shower at school. Even if the gym is 20 minutes away -- if you walk to school early, shower at school, then take a very leisurely walk through campus to your destination, that might be better for days that are sweltering.

Other options:

Is there a quieter bike route that you could take, even if it's not the most direct? A leisurely bike ride on back streets might be a great option for 1-2 days a week.

And not to press the point, but if you can't drive due to your vision, then are you sure you have too much residual vision? Is that something you can discuss with a doctor or disability services on campus?

Finally - would you consider a kick scooter? They look a bit insane but easy to use and would help you get there faster.
posted by barnone at 10:46 AM on June 9, 2015 [4 favorites]

If you're at all busty, invest in a few good sports bras. Freya Active and Panache Sport are excellent choices (they're a bit pricey compared to, say, Target bras, but are worth the extra expense; you can often find these at a discounted price on eBay or at Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, etc). Sweat kills elastic, and regular bras aren't meant to withstand sustained/excessive sweating. With a proper sports bra, you'll have better stabilization for the walk, plus less underboob and cleavage sweat. Change into a regular bra when you arrive. I recommend getting two sports bras, so you can alternate and give the elastic a rest; soak in water when you get home then lay out to dry for the next wear. (send me a memail if you want sizing help)
posted by melissasaurus at 11:46 AM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

I do a walking commute as well, and the biggest thing for me is leaving as much at my office as possible. If you don't have your own locking office on campus, I would definitely look into a locker or talk to your department about stashing some things in the departmental office (this option wouldn't work for valuables like your computer, but could be a good option for shoes/a change of clothes). It also might be possible that you have a friend or even a prof who isn't going to be around much this summer and would be willing to lend a key to their office, since it sounds like this is a short term issue.

For "entertainment," I love making chatty phone calls during my walking commute to catch up with friends and relatives. Just something to add to the mix!
posted by rainbowbrite at 12:09 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

I'm struggling to imagine a city so bike-unfriendly that you'd walk an hour in the Midwestern summer to avoid a fifteen-minute ride.

Have you tried asking local cyclists (most universities have something of a club) for a good route? Google Maps bike directions are great, and I use that for almost all my route planning, but sometimes the locals will know something it doesn't.

And when the alternative is to walk, you can afford some long detours to get to the quieter streets.
posted by d. z. wang at 12:17 PM on June 9, 2015 [4 favorites]

If you are in Cleveland, near CWRU for example, many people ride their bikes on the sidewalks because the roads and drivers are so biker averse. You may want to call the local police department to ask what they think of this first, but they will likely not even notice you. When I used to live there I rode my bike on the sidewalks all the time, mainly in areas where there aren't many pedestrians. In more crowded areas I would ride on the road or just walk my bike on the sidewalk.
posted by waving at 12:33 PM on June 9, 2015

I had a situation not unlike this where I commuted to a location where my bike was locked up, then used the bike to go the rest of the way. I locked the bike with a heavy chain, not a portable lock (it was outside). If it's possible to lock your bike at the rec center, it might be an option for you do something similar: walk to the rec center, shower/change, and bike the remainder. And do the reverse in the evening.

I do think you should try using the rec center to shower even if you have to walk a little after. Maybe you can rent a locker there to keep your walking shoes/clothes and toiletries?
posted by zennie at 3:28 PM on June 9, 2015

Switch out your messenger bag for a backpack with a good waist strap - the weight of your Macbook will be less noticable.

Ditch your gumboots for some waterproof hiking shoes. I like Merrells. Super comfortable and your feet will stay dry. Leave your work shoes at work.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 3:30 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

All these excellent suggestions! Did anyone say suntan lotion in addition to hat? Also, try to do the morning part as early as possible. I have to depart around 6:30 am these days for my walk-commute, and that gets earlier as the summer goes on.
posted by mmiddle at 3:37 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

here's my trick - I have a light cotton scarf that I make wet before I go out - drape that around your neck and as the water evaporates it cools you off. My scarf takes about 1/2 an hour to dry on a hot day, but if you have a bottle of water, you can re-wet it. That's basically all those cooling wraps linked above are.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 7:20 PM on June 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Cheap dark canvas shoes dry quickly, are light weight and don't show if they're wet or dry easily. I 2nd the frozen water bottle or go cup with ice, bigger cubes melt more slowly and a damp scarf or bandana around the neck. Use the water bottle to wet it down if it dries.

If you need a break from walking, the craiglist suggestion is a good one. There were some people offering rides for cheap but you could post looking for someone to ride share to the same place
and offer gas money.

http://columbus.craigslist.org/search/rid
posted by stray thoughts at 10:06 PM on June 9, 2015

I do a triple walking commute each day with each leg of the trip running about forty-five minutes.

Good supportive shoes is the number one. I have two pairs of high-impact sport shoes that I alternate to keep them from getting smelly and each one has the best possible protective insole I can afford. I use running sneakers because they are mesh or canvas and have the best ventilation.

Summer sport shoes are going on clearance around now so late June early July is a good time to try to find the shoes you need.

If you have a choice in routes it can make a big difference. The worst possible route is the one with high vehicle traffic and lots of concrete and no shade and no breezes. I can tailor my route a bit to ensure that I walk past some coffee shops and fast food places where I can go in and use the bathroom. I can tailor my route so that I can drop into the air conditioned dollar store or the grocery store and cool down for a couple of minutes out of the sun while purchasing something inexpensive that I actually want or can use, such as a pint of milk, or a piece of fruit to munch as I walk.

One of my commutes goes into a park where I stop in the shade for three minutes, close my eyes, enjoy the grass and the breeze and do gentle stretching as a sort of meditation exercise.

If you can pick a route that takes you into a more green residential space where there is grass and there are trees the route will be more pleasant, the air will be cleaner and it will probably be a touch cooler.

Sometimes the lie of the land can make a big difference to how cool things are and if there is any breeze. If I take the north-eastern route on one leg of the trip I am in a valley that bakes in the sun. If I take the south-west route it can be five or ten degrees cooler.

The difference between a quick but horrible route and a nice route is worth an extra twenty minutes. After all, this IS your new exercise program, and you get more credit for walking longer.

Consider arriving early or leaving late to miss rush hour and the hot part of the day. You could schedule studying at the library or running other errands or other outside chores so that you do not have to commute at the worst possible time.

A wet washcloth worn inside the sunhat can provide some cooling. Wearing your shirt home soaking wet can provide cooling on the way back when you don't need to look presentable. The sunhat is non-negotiable. Also sunglasses. You can buy wrap around sunglasses that fit over your regular glasses as an alternative to prescription lenses or switching to contacts.

If you are female skirts can be cooler than trousers.

You may want to bring a change of socks, especially if you can't rotate your shoes.

A small grooming kit can make a difference in your presentation if you are going to end up with windblown hair.

Make sure you have emergency taxi fare for that day that you cannot walk home.

Wander a bit. Don't just stay on the sidewalk. It is legitimate to take short cuts across apartment building property, to walk in the road when the road is closed for construction, to cut through a parking lot even if you have to step over a concrete barrier at the end. It will make your walk more interesting if you can incorporate some diagonals.

Look for appealing milestones - the wind-chimes on someone's porch, that spot of shade in front of an office tower, the dog who gets his walkies at the same time as your commute, the low retaining wall where you can sit down and uncap your water bottle... You will see many things while walking that you do not see when on the bus. The territory will become so much more yours.
posted by Jane the Brown at 8:10 AM on June 10, 2015 [4 favorites]

In all the talk of footwear and whether you need waterproof hiking boots or not, no one has mentioned waterproofing spray. It's not a perfect solution and may need reapplied after a few months, but in the interest of grad student budgets: if you already have supportive shoes, consider buying something like this (be sure you match the product to your shoes' fabric) and using what you have.
posted by deludingmyself at 8:46 AM on June 10, 2015

If I'm reading this right, the detoured bus is an option, but that the 25 minute walk (+ bus fare) seems not worth it. If you're commuting 2 hours round trip every day, five days a week, sometimes the extra bus walking will be worth it. Give yourself the option to take the shorter walk + bus some days. You might need a break from so much walking, the weather might be terrible, maybe you just want to listen to music or read a book.

Also, you are likely going to get hungry. Have protein-ful walking snacks. Jerky (meat or vegan), nuts & seeds, yogurt (ymmv, but I have no qualms eating yogurt that's been in my bag all day during the summer), hummus are good options. Maybe some fruit or dried fruit for quick energy. Pack a water bottle.

My walking commute (45 minutes one way) always involved packing a shirt to change into before work. In the summer, I'll keep slacks and shoes in my locker to change into as well so I can wear shorts for the walk in. If you can't do the full change (either carrying or leaving stuff there), see if can't find some super lightweight pants at a thrift store. Linen is amazing, but there are some fantastically light cottons, too. And definitely ditch the rainboots. Great suggestions above. Make sure to break in anything new in smaller walking session and be sure to have some mole skin on hand for blisters.

If you walk through wet/mosquito-y areas, you might want some bug spray. I use an herbal based one that works decently and doesn't smell like bug spray, so I don't have to worry about that.

Hats are your friend and so is dry shampoo if your head sweats as much as mine does. Breath-able, light hats are best--woven paper or straw for the summer. Cotton's okay, too.

Have a folding/travel umbrella for when it rains and carry it when there's any chance of rain over 30%.
posted by carrioncomfort at 9:54 AM on June 10, 2015 [1 favorite]

As much as possible, time your walks so they don't happen during the peak heat of the day. Yes, this might mean hanging out on campus more, but it's often worth it.

Wool or performance socks can make a big difference on how your feet feel.

It might be helpful to have the number of a local taxi company/ have the uber app downloaded and set up, as a back up plan.

It's technically possible to borrow "books on tape" from the local public library.
posted by oceano at 12:26 PM on June 10, 2015

I've found Oakley's Kitchen Sink backpack to be extremely roomy and distribute weight really well. Works well to carry computer or not. Easily the best non-hiking backpack I've owned.

Now I see they have a Big Kitchen version. Wonder if I'm missing out.
posted by vsync at 2:23 PM on June 14, 2015