I've been thinking of putting linux on a usb drive as a fun little to carry around with me and plug into any computer and just use it. However I don't know which distro to go with. I was thinking of using something light like Lubuntu but I don't know whether there might be much better choices. I was also thinking of large complicated distros like Arch or Gentoo but the problem with those is just that if I compile programs for one pc I'm going to have a bad time using them on other pcs
I'd recommend Linux mint.
Mint runs like ass off a live boot. It is good for full installs. Puppy, Knoppnix, LXLE and Kali are all better for live booting.
I run it off a flashdrive it's fine. I do agree though totally forgot about LXLE.
Definitely something lightweight.
I'll third LXLE.
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Been running xubuntu on a USB 3 64gb flash drive for a while. I usually just keep it in my bag when I go traveling. Hasn't failed me and seems to run at a okay speed.
Depends on several factors. Space, speed, use, etc.
If you're using an old key with as little as 512mb capacity and/or want something you can throw on just about any PC I'd suggest Porteus. You have the option to retain settings or be 'fresh' every boot. (persistent or not)
Search porteus.org
build an iso to your liking
Something else you may consider is maybe carrying around virtual images. Or maybe some sort of hybrid concoction?
For a long while I had a PUPPY install on a USB thumb drive on my keys. I fell off one day and I never gotten around to replace it. Before that I had one of those credit card CD Rom's with DSL in my wallet.
For any of you younglings that have no idea what a credit card CD is Wikipedia LINK
If you use uNetBootin to make your thumb-drive there is an option to format the remainder of the drive as storage if you are using a Ubuntu derived distro. That way you don't just get a bootable distro to play with you can also carry some of your stuff with you as well.
I'm partial to having Puppy myself. However, I run puppy arcade on a thumb drive, great for those long days at work.
I ran Lubuntu on a netbook with midori installed and it ran like a freakin champ!!
I've been utilising Linux Mint on a USB drive for a while without any major problems.
A smaller OS that I have found is AntiX linux.
It is based on Debian but is also made to be light weight, and so far I've had a better experience booting that off USB than I have any other operating system.
If strictly usb live boot, Puppy. If you're just installing OS to HD then any will do
i like puppy
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I noticed Porteus had a few more hits than usual after posting this. That's kind of cool.
Was just curious if the OP ever settled on something.
Tails
I haven't decided yet. I've only gotten around to try out LXLE so far and one of my machines wouldn't boot from the usb stick. It's an old machine so I think it's either because the PC uses Bios (I am not sure whether it installed with gpt or mbr though) or it can't boot a usb 3.0 stick because its only supports usb 2.0. Can't confirm either
I use Arch and don't have any issues.
I only have a few things installed like Keepass and a few web browsers installed. I also have many desktop environments installed in case I am using old hardware and can't load up gnome shell.
Arch linux. Then just take 5 minutes to set up what you want.
+1 for Arch as well.