Howard Falkinburg

People love “what’s in my bag” posts. Usually, it’s influencers showing off lip balm, sunglasses, and a notebook they swear they use.

Me? My version is a little different. When I head out as a quadriplegic, I bring equipment that keeps me alive, comfortable, functional, and occasionally looking like a traveling RadioShack.

Literally can’t leave home without it.

Phone plus mount

My phone isn’t just a phone– It’s my lifeline. It’s my communication, my navigation, my emergency plan, and sometimes my entertainment when I’m stuck waiting for someone who says “I’ll be right there.”

I keep it mounted where I can see and reach it easily because dropping it is basically a hostage situation.

Medical supplies

Depending on the day this can include:

1.        Catheter supplies

2.        Gloves

3.        Wipes

4.        A small towel and clothing protector

5.        Hand sanitizer because the world is gross

6.        Small trash bags to empty my ostomy bag

7.        Change of clothes in case a shit show happens

Do you still mainly fit into a cute pouch, but they are non-negotiable.

Spasm management tools

Spasms love to show up at the worst possible time. So I bring:

1.        Medications when necessary

2.        Wrist braces

Wheelchair gear

1.        Allen wrenches

2.        Giraffe neck water bottle

3.        Sunscreen because rolling around as a quadriplegic means I’m a rolling solar panel.

Other miscellaneous items:

Breaths mints because you can never have fresh enough breath!

Emergency card with my baclofen pump medication information

People sometimes ask, “Why do you bring so much stuff?”

The mindset: be prepared, not paranoid

Because when you’re a quadriplegic, being prepared isn’t optional– It’s freedom. My equipment lets me go out into the world confidently, independently, and with fewer consequences.

Every item I bring serves a purpose. Some keep me safe. Some keep me comfortable. Some keep me moving. And some just keep me sane.

But together, they let me live my life– Fully, independently, and with a sense of humor.

Because rolling out into the world as a quadriplegic is not just about mobility. It’s about being ready for anything, laughing through the chaos, and carrying the gear that keeps me truckin’.