18 things that make our commutes much more bearable

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If you haven’t been listening to the digital screams of New Yorkers wronged on Twitter, you might yet be unaware that New York City is in the middle of what its Governor Andrew Cuomo called a transit "Summer of Hell."

The trains are sweaty, packed, and often running with disruptions and delays, and many New Yorkers have felt their already grumble-inducing morning commutes get a whole lot less enjoyable.

But while New Yorkers might feel a certain validation in airing their transit complaints right now, the fact of the matter is that all across the country, many of us feel a similar, almost unreasonable ire toward our commutes. 

For all things disproportionately frustrating, there is a similarly disproportionate gratitude for the things that chip away at that frustration. Book apps, compact bags, flexible pants, etc. Perhaps of all my possessions, the ones that make my commutes easier, despite their lower cost, are highest on the list of things I most appreciate and least want to lose.

So, I decided to ask my coworkers to divulge their most-loved things that make commuting easier.

We're in the business of optimization — whether that be getting the most value for money or the most value out of limited time — so when it comes to our personal commutes, you'd better believe we've put a good amount of thought into it.

Here are the products that make New York City's  "Summer of Hell" — and really any commute — a little easier.

Ellen Hoffman, commerce editor: Incipio Stowaway Credit Card Case

Amazon

In my capacity as an editor, I've had the opportunity to test out countless phone cases, ranging from the protective to the stylish to the battery-saving to the card-holding. No case has served me better than Incipio’s Stowaway Case.

It protects my phone and also houses convenient storage for up to three credit cards. I use it to stow my MetroCard for easy access on my commute to and from work. It’s one less thing I have to remember to bring with me — if I have my phone on me, I have my MetroCard, too.

Incipio Stowaway Wallet Case for iPhone 7, $12.61 - $14.40

 

Dagne Dover Classic Tote

Dagne Dover

The more pockets my work bag has, the better. I’m not exaggerating when I say that Dagne Dover’s Classic Tote, which is big enough to hold my 13” MacBook and a lot of other everyday essentials, has made my commute to and from the office a lot more convenient.

My favorite feature is the tote's included key leash that makes locating my house keys a total breeze — I no longer have to fumble outside my apartment building and dig them out of the depths of my bag.

This tote is pretty much the MVP of work bags.

Dagne Dover Classic Tote, $245

theSkimm App

iTunes

I have a morning subway routine: I read theSkimm’s daily newsletter, and after I’m done with it, I pick up my book or play 2048 depending on my mood.

TheSkimm’s newsletter breaks down all of the previous day's most important news in a way that's super quick and easy to digest. It won't replace reading news sites like Business Insider and The Wall Street Journal, but I can access and read it in full when I'm underground and without cell service, which is key.

theSkimm app, free to download (with in-app purchases)

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