If you're new to living with an ileostomy and planning a family outing, you might be wondering what essentials to pack for your trip. Here are some helpful tips and advice to make sure you're prepared and comfortable while you're out and about.

- In the beginning, it's better to over-pack. As you become more confident, you can streamline your kit to just the essentials.
- Try a practice change at home using only the items in your carry kit to ensure you have everything you need.
- Plan for situations where you might not have access to water, a trash can, or a large restroom stall.

For a minimal or medium kit, consider these options:

1. The "one bag in the pocket" approach: Carry a single folded pouch and rely on restroom toilet paper for cleanup in case of a rare leak.
2. A medium kit in a small zipper bag that fits in a purse or fanny pack might include:
- 1–2 pre-cut pouches
- Adhesive remover wipes
- Skin-prep or barrier wipes
- Barrier ring or strip if you use them
- Small folded paper towels or gauze, or a travel pack of flushable or baby wipes
- A disposal bag
- A tiny bottle of hand sanitizer or deodorant drops
- Mini curved scissors if you still need to cut (be mindful of security checkpoints)
3. Keep backup clothing in the car, like leggings, a tunic, or trousers, along with underwear and socks. Some people also include disposable under-pads.

For longer days or work shifts, you might want a full "bathroom bag" that includes:

- A roll of toilet paper
- Gloves
- Bottled water or saline
- Deodorizing drops or tablets
- Snacks or an electrolyte drink if your output is high
- A small spray of air freshener
- Many people use purse-style diaper bags or vendor-supplied organizers with waterproof pockets.

To prevent leaks and extend wear time:

- Most people get 3–7 days of wear from a one-piece system, or longer with a two-piece convex system.
- Techniques to extend wear include applying Skin Tac wipes and warming the flange with a hair dryer before placement, and using barrier rings or seals.
- Daily changes can irritate the skin, so aim for 3–4+ days if possible, though some may need daily changes due to heavy sweating or oily skin.

Other practical tips:

- Keep a spare kit in the car and rotate supplies that might be heat-damaged.
- If traveling in the UK, obtain a RADAR key for access to spacious, cleaner disabled toilets.
- Mark change dates on your pouch to track wear time.
- Wear darker or looser clothing on long outings and eat light until you know your stoma’s activity pattern.
- Always carry at least one full change set—never leave home without supplies.