There are some personality traits that PI’s just have to have. Being a meticulous planner is one of them. Let’s talk about what a PI needs to ensure nothing fails (the things that are in our control, of course).
Lists. Alllll the lists. Write the damn lists.
So, what keeps a badass PI like me ready for anything? It’s all about the bag (and the trunk). You’re not just packing gear, you’re packing for war. A very quiet, snack-filled war.
Here’s a peek inside my go-bag and car setup, aka the PI survival kit:
tech arsenal
- Backup phone with spy apps and a clean browser history
- Power banks and extra charging cables (because surveillance karma means your battery will die at the worst time)
- GoPro and mounts
- Covert camera glasses (hello Ray-Bans)
- Long zoom lens and DSLR
- Dash Cam – front and back
- Binoculars that actually work (RIP to my first pair, #never forget)
- SD cards, batteries, adapters… and then more SD cards
stakeout comforts
- Blanket (for cold nights or pretending you’re napping at 3AM)
- Gloves, toque (for anyone that isn’t Canadian, that’s a warm hat), extra socks
- Lumbar support, because back pain is not the mission
- Tinted car shades and window covers
- Wet wipes, hand sanitizer
- Garbage bags
Food & Snacks
- I’m not a huge snacker and I never eat if I’m not hungry. But, high-protein, low-crinkle snacks. Jerky, hard boiled eggs, things that don’t make noise when you eat them
- Coffee (but not too much) + water (stay awake but stay hydrated)
- This has just inspired me to do a whole other blog post on this topic alone. You’re welcome.
clothing essentials
- Dark hoodie, ball cap, and neutral layers (blend in, baby)
- Change of clothes to blend in wherever you may need to go. The gym, a fancier restaurant, a metal concert….(it’s happened)
- Comfy shoes you can run in, nicer shoes if you need to change.
- Wigs
misc magic
- Notebook and pens (old school never fails)
- Flashlight
- A full tank of gas
- Vehicle not too clean, or too dirty
- First aid kit (band-aids and ibuprofen are lifesavers)
- A sense of humour. Seriously. You’re gonna need it.
As we know, being a PI isn’t always glamorous, but being prepared is powerful. Whether you’re waiting out a cheating spouse, doing corporate surveillance, or tracking someone who thinks they’ve disappeared into thin air, what’s in your bag can make or break the mission.
