Hey,
So lately I’ve been using a lot of the switching drop-in 78xx replacements, instead of using the LDO counterparts. Personally, I’ve been using Murata’s 78SR line, which run about $4 per at digikey or mouser (compared to your $2 here for LDO ones, an extra $2-3 for the extra efficiency seems like a good deal to me). 7-36V, up to 1.5A output, 85-90% efficient, no heatsinks. What’s not to love?
And that’s why I think you should carry something similar.
Also, in addition to your pint glass, you need a shot glass. Just saying.