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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 5)

Welcome to part five of our on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for one more Gadgeteer team member, Smythe. Let us know if you enjoy these types of posts.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

Smythe Richbourg

Julie has been after us for a month or so now to declare a favorite gear bag and do an article about it. For me, this is a Sophie’s Choice type decision, because I like several bags equally for different reasons. Add that to the fact that I have almost as many bags as Julie does (about 20 that I can see from this chair with my office closet door open!), and it gets a bit tough. I’m prepared to live with this one, however; the Tom Bihn Medium Café Bag. I bought this bag a few years back with personal funds, and have used it as a fall-back ever since. Let me give you a tour.

We have reviewed Tom Bihn bags on this site before, but I’ve never had an actual review unit from them. I did review a few products from their canine product spin-off, Snookum Dog, a few years back. But I’ve been a fan since my first purchase, which was this bag. I found it searching for a daily driver bag for my iPad and various small bits of tech I need to carry, and I have yet to find one that can haul this much in such a small package. It’s a simple satchel in a vertical orientation (a sadly over-looked category by most bag makers) with a sewn-in strap and a large inner pocket. There are a few pen loops and loose stash pockets in the front wall of that large pocket, as well as a narrow zippered pocket on the outside front. An offset V flap covers both of these and seals with a plastic clip on an adjustable webbing strap.


On the back, a simple slash pocket and a 1″ webbing haul loop complete the feature set. At 12.2″ x 10.6″ x 2.9″ / 310 x 270 x 75 mm, it’s not really a behemoth, but it sure holds a lot. I’ve added the Freudian Slip, a vertical insert that adds pockets and sleeves to organize bag interiors. This is another Tom Bihn innovation that makes their kit unique. They have these for most of their bags, and the difference it makes is huge.


Perhaps my favorite feature of Tom Bihn bags is the “O” rings sewn into bag interiors in various places. I have a clear organizer bag that holds my inhaler, a tin of various NSAIDs, a nail file and clipper, and eye drops. There’s a clip on one corner, and when I attach it to the “O” ring on the rim of my Tom Bihn Café bag, it never gets lost in the abyss.

I usually carry my original-sized iPad in this, along with the day’s supplies (power adapter, headphones, batteries, shopping bag, screen cleaner, iPad adapters for USB, HDMI, and SDcards – the usual stuff). I just purchased the 10.7″ iPad Pro, replacing my iPad Air 2. The new one fits just as nicely, in my MoKo case. In a pinch, I can slide my LogiTech K811 keyboard into the rear slash pocket, even though it sticks out a bit. If I don’t need all that, just the organizer, iPad, and Slip will carry me anywhere easily.

If I have control over my day, the regular-sized iPad has been my go-to travel companion since the day I bought the original. The newest iPad Pro with the thinner bezel still fits in this bag easily, since it’s less than an inch larger on each edge.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 5) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 12, 2017 at 3:49 pm.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4)

Welcome to part four of our on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for four more of the Gadgeteer team including yours truly. Let us know if you enjoy these types of posts.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

Julie Strietelmeier

My favorite style of gear bag is a messenger bag and the brand that I’ve been carrying for years is Timbuk2. I’ve had four Timbuk2 bags and the one I’ve been carrying every day for 5 years or more is their custom laptop messenger.

The Timbuk2 bag has been on my favorite gear list for the entire time I’ve had it, so it’s not really news. So I thought I’d also talk about a surprising little bag that I decided to take with me on vacation this year.

This bag isn’t even a bag that you can buy by itself as far as I know. It came with a sample of a lap desk for a crowdfunding campaign. When I was packing for my trip, I knew I wanted to keep the tech at a minimum level so I wanted a smaller bag than I usually carry. I saw this one in my closet o’bags and was very pleased when it could hold all my gear without bulging or cutting off the circulation in my shoulder.

It even has a pass-through for a rolling luggage handle which is always appreciated when trying to maneuver multiple bags through the airport. Now I want to find a nicer version of this bag without the iMoov logo and with nicer internal pocket construction. This one has thin satin material which feels a little flimsy (cheap), but having said that, so far it’s not torn or frayed.

Raul Sanchez

My favorite gear bag is the Serbags Army Courier Messenger bag I reviewed four years ago.

I love this courier messenger bag. Since the day I received it I used it as a camera bag that I take with me on all my photo shoots and assignments. I received this bag at the end of January 2013 and I haven’t stopped using this as my main camera bag. I really like the ease and convenience when I need to grab a lens or flash, battery, or earplugs like when I am shooting concerts.

I can reach in this messenger bag without looking and grab what I need. I just like having a messenger bag at my side during my shoots. If I had worn a backpack it would take too long for me to grab a piece of equipment since I would have to take off the backpack, put it down in front of me, unzip the bag and find what I need. Obviously, I would miss a shot. With what I do, speed is a huge factor. This bag has taken a beating in the last 4 years. Even though it has some small signs of wear and tear, the bag is still going strong.

With the Serbags messenger bag, I can literally have my camera in one hand and have the other hand reaching into the bag and retrieving the equipment I need, all at the same time. It is very convenient to have the bag on my hip.

Elizabeth Rodriguez

I’ve had a couple of bags since I reviewed the Incase Reform backpack, but I keep going back to this to hold all of my gadgets! I work in the city now, so it can fit all of the stuff I pack into it, including my laptop, wallets, water bottle, notebook, and reading book. I love how sleek it looks in heather grey with yellow logo and black trim. The details such as zippers and straps have held up incredibly well. It’s been through rain, snow, sun, and keeps it shape. I’ve received many compliments, and it’s nice how gender neutral it is. Anyone can use it, and it will last for a long time!

Steve Holt

This is the last review that I did, and I have used this bag on a daily basis ever since. It is the Mr. Lentz leather briefcase. It looks awesome and it makes me look awesome.

The 2 pockets on the inside keep my pens, flash drives, cables, etc, from rolling around in the bottom of the bag. Also, the buckles are adjustable and allow me to tighten it up or loosen it depending on my needs. And did I mention that it makes me look good? 🙂 Ha!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 4) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 23, 2017 at 10:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3)

Welcome to part three of an on-going series where we tell you about the gear that we use on a daily basis. Today we have the favorite gear bags for five of our writers here on the Gadgeteer team. Enjoy!

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)

Andy Jacobs

The GORUCK GR1 rucksack.  GORUCK’s original piece of gear, with its roots in US Special Forces these rucks are built proudly in the USA and proven by special operators in war zones across the world and by GORUCK Challenge participants across these great United States. Made from water-resistant and uber-durable 1000D Cordura nylon, there’s a reason why GORUCK refers to their rucks as “bomb-proof.”  The GR1 is available in two sizes, both of which I own: the 21 Liter which I use for both ruck training and GORUCK Challenges, and the 26 Liter (shown here) which I use for EDC and short travel.  Because GORUCK believes design should be simple and versatile so you can use your ruck in the way that works best for you, their rucks include high-strength nylon MOLLE webbing inside and out to attach items (such as GORUCK’s Field Pouches) and several organizational pockets inside, plus a padded laptop/hydration compartment.  Admittedly, GORUCK’s products are not cheap—in quality or price (GR1 is $295)—but they are easily the best-built, most durable products I’ve ever used, and if you do manage to damage one of their rucks, their SCARS lifetime warranty will fix you up.  I know, because they’ve done it for me (more than once).  For me, GR1 is the ultimate rucksack (AKA backpack).  Full review in the works.

You can read more about this bag at goruck.com.

Jacob Haas

My go-to bag at the moment is the Pioneer 12 Hip Pack from North St. Bags. When I reviewed this back a couple months ago. I liked it for its many interior pockets and expandable width, allowing me to fit a lot more inside than I originally thought I could. I’ve been using it almost daily to carry things that I can’t or wouldn’t want to shove into my pockets, like headphones, cables, and my Nintendo Switch that I like to play over lunch breaks. The bag itself still looks brand new after several weeks of steady use. I added a shoulder strap that I cannibalized from a small messenger bag and turned it into more of a tech-purse, which suits me just fine.

You can read more about this bag at northstbags.com.

Dave Rees

My favorite bag is near a half dozen years old, weighs more than five pounds, and is as non-tech & old school as you can get. Add in the fact that I have reviewed many high-quality bags over the past five years, is a testament to how much I love and enjoy carrying my Colonel Littleton 1943 Navigator bag. It’s a perfect size, able to securely transport my laptop, iPad Pro, and all my EDC gear with me. Its meticulous craftsmanship and classic WWII aviator styling are so me… As you can see, it is aging gracefully and continues to get praise from strangers to this day. I carry it to work every day, on work travel and vacation as well. Even though I have a closet full of very nice bags, I would buy another if it ever became damaged, lost, or stolen.

You can read more about this bag at northstbags.com.

Kathleen Chapman

My preferred type of gear bag is a backpack. For many years I’ve used a Jansport backpack to carry my teaching materials, but I’ve had a desire to upgrade to something attractive as well as rugged and since then I’ve discovered my inner leather enthusiast. Thus, my favorite gear bag is a backpack that I recently reviewed – the Pad & Quill Roll Top Leather Backpack (review has not yet been published to provide the link). I love the fact that it is a beautiful, well-made, high-quality leather backpack that is large enough to carry all of my necessary items and yet is still compact enough for me. It even has an internal pocket (unpadded) for a tablet/laptop which I use to store my portable keyboard. It does take time to access my materials since it is a roll-top backpack that has a two buckle closure, however, it has a quick side access zipper slot (8.75″ long) that allows you to extract small items quickly.

You can read more about and/or purchase the Pad & Quill Roll Top Leather Backpack on the Pad & Quill website.

Howard Sneider

My take on “favorite gear bag” may be a little different than other Gadgeteers. My current favorite bag is a freebie Lufthansa Premium Economy Class amenity kit by Picard I obtained on a recent European flight. This isn’t available in stores; It is only available with a seat from Lufthansa. It originally contained foam earplugs, sleep-mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and over-socks (if you want to take your shoes off but still walk around the cabin). So why is this so great? It is impeccably made; it uses good quality materials, double stitching on the zipper and all the seems are lined.

The best part is that the bag is the perfect size to hold all of my cables, chargers, and a Bluetooth mouse. It has changed my backpack from a mess of cables to a neatly packed and organized kit. At meetings if I need any of these things I don’t have to go fumbling through my bag – I can just pull this bag out and not be distracted, or cause a distraction, during the meeting.

The other benefit of using this bag is that at airports, these items are all collected so that if the carry-on inspector has any questions about the contents everything is organized and in one place. This item is frequently on eBay for relatively little cost. I suggest you get something like this to make your electronics more organized.

You can read more about the Lufthansa Premium Economy Class amenity kit at www.picard-lederwaren.de.

Also read:
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 1)
The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 2)

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The Gadgeteer team’s favorite gear bags (part 3) originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on October 9, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate!

It’s hard to believe that I started The Gadgeteer two decades ago back in August of 1997.  There are not very many blogs that can claim to be 20 years old and I’m proud of that fact and want to celebrate with a giveaway that includes gear from Audio Engine, Tom Bihn, Waterfield Design, Saddleback Leather Company and more!

Please click through to read the details on the prizes and to submit your entries for a chance to win one of our Gadgeteer 20th birthday giveaway prize packs!

Prizes:

There are 3 price packs, so there will be three winners. Details for each prize pack are listed below:

1st Prize Pack

Audioengine B2 wireless speakers

I reviewed the Audioengine B2 wireless speaker and still use it. In my review, I said:

I hadn’t realized how mediocre the music sounded until I switched to the B2. Now I find that my music sounds so much better. Through this speaker music is full and rich with an excellent bass that isn’t too thumpy, but still easily fills a room.

This is a very nice bookshelf sized speaker that features Bluetooth and aptX.

Price: $225.00
Website: audioengineusa.com

Waterfield Design Bolt Crossbody bag

I’ve been a fan of Waterfield Design bags, pouches, and wallets for as long as I can remember. Their new Bolt Crossbody bag is a vertical laptop messenger bag that has been designed to hold tablets or laptops with their gear in a stylish way.

Price: $119.00 – $219.00
Website: www.sfbags.com

Keyport Essential bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $41.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Terk: OMNITWR

A redesigned multi-directional antenna that serves as a cord-cutters must have accessory for instant access to OTA television like ABC, NBC, FOX and more for free – no monthly fee, no subscription and no contract

  • Functions as an amplified multi-directional HDTV antenna
  • Dual stage amplifier technology, DUALBOOST, provides more HD channels along with the best picture and sound possible
  • Accessories include coax cable, power adapter and removable amplifier for maximum flexibility and performance

Price: $59.99
Website: www.terk.com

YEVO Labs: YEVO 1

A new generation of smart headphones without any wires for total freedom of movement

  • Experience freedom: Bluetooth 4.1 connection and Near-Field Magnetic Induction – NFMI pairing for secure flawless connectivity
  • Excellent music experience: Integrated the latest advancements in audio quality with balanced armatures from Knowles delivering safe, crystal clear audio quality, fine-tuned to hit crisp highs and deep lows for a fully mesmeric experience
  • Audio transparency: Allows users to remain connected to their surroundings by letting sound in with just a tap
  • Two-touch sensors: 4 built-in microphones allows users to take phone calls, control music, and volume, and access Siri or Google Now
  • Battery life: 20 hours of battery life* with the beautifully designed, elegant and slim charge and storage case
  • Available in Jet Black, Ivory White, and Onyx Black

Price: $249
Website: YevoLabs.com

2nd Prize Pack

V-MODA: Remix Wireless Hi-Fi Speaker

World’s First Portable Bluetooth Speaker with a Built-In Headphone Amplifier

  • World’s First Full-Surface 3D Printed Custom Product – REMIXRings™ and removable parts enable the ultimate personalization in a mind-blowing array of materials
  • Easily connect REMIX with Echo Dot via Bluetooth or by the included cable to summon Alexa and enjoy vivid Hi-Fi sound
  • Easy Pairing – Press PAIR to easily connect your Bluetooth device
  • Simultaneous Device Connection – Multitasking users can “multipoint” connect REMIX with two devices at a time, such as smartphone and laptop or smartphone and smartwatch
  • USB-C Charging – Future-proof and safer charging via included USB-A to USB-C Cable
  • Long Life Battery – Up to 10+ hours of music
  • Quick Access Control – Top-panel buttons to control volume and playback of your music
  • Built-In Mic for Calls and Voice Assistant – Use the built-in microphone for calls, Skype or summoning voice assistants like Apple Siri or OK Google – but with far superior music quality
  • Available in two finishes – minimal aluminum (Silver) and luxurious vegan leather (Black)

Price: $300
Available at: V-MODA.com

Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Tom Bihn Brain Bag is a made in the USA 525 ballistic nylon backpack style bag that can hold up to 4 laptops! This bag is built to last for many years and travel adventures to come.

Price: $200.00
Website: www.tombihn.com

Saddleback Leather Company Leather Pouch Wallet

This is one of Saddleback Leather’s latest wallet designs and like all of their products, it’s going to last forever!

Price: $59.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/leather-pouch-wallet

Keyport Outdoor bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • Mini-Flashlight Module
  • Pocketknife Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $61.97
Website: www.mykeyport.com

 

BEEM UNITED: BeMe D200

Eye-catching colors and cutting-edge technology deliver customizable sound and high-performing active noise canceling for a unique listening experience

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Each earphone features a dual mic with Active Noise Cancellation and pairs with the BEEM UNITED app to enable a 10-band equalizer control
  • HD Audio for a full digital – not analog – audio experience (Digital 24bit/48KHz)
  • Best-in-Class Bass: With higher sampling frequency compared to competing products, BeMe D200 delivers studio-quality bass for personal use
  • Fashion-Forward Design: Offering a variety of on-trend color combinations including Rose Gold, Rebel Purple, Black and Flash Green
  • Striking LED light display brings the listening experience to life
  • Developed entirely around lightning connector cable technology – allowing for the app connection and superior sound quality
  • Aluminum housing
  • Driver/Dynamic: 10.66mm
  • Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
  • Max Input Power: 10mW
  • Lightweight with No Battery Needed
  • Ergonomic Eartips for Secure Fit
  • Includes Carrying Pouch

Price: $169.99
Website: beemunited.com

 

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

 

3rd Prize Pack

SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton

After reviewing the SCOTTeVEST Hoodie Cotton, it quickly became my favorite jacket. It’s soft, comfy, and has 21 pockets that hold everything I need.

Price: $95
Available at: www.scottevest.com

Identity card wallet

The Identity wallet is a carbon fiber minimalist wallet that I reviewed and still carry with me every day. It’s the perfect wallet for me and earned a coveted spot in my Julie’s favorite gear page.

  • Comfortable front pocket carry
  • Holds up to 8 cards
  • Easy card access

Price: $35.00
Website: identitywallet.bigcartel.com

Keyport Locator Plus bundle

Keyport products have been a favorite of mine since my first review of their Keyport Slide 2.0. They’ve continued to innovate their products and their latest Pivot key organizers are an EDC fan’s dream come true.

  • Pivot (choice of color – Black, Red, Silver)
  • BLE Locator + LED Module
  • MOCA 10-In-1 Multi-Tool

Price: $66.98
Website: www.mykeyport.com

808 Audio: Turntable

Get killer sound anywhere and get the crowd going with the LED light show, and a built-in pre-amplifier, connecting to any device with or without a turntable input.

  • Built-in phono pre-amp allows a wired connection to any device without turntable input.
  • Includes AC power cord, 4 ft. RCA audio cable, 4 ft. Aux-in 3.5mm cloth cable, 45 RPM adapter, cartridges, and stylus with purchase.
  • Ten multi-color LED light modes for every genre of music.
  • Wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices, or to wired systems via dual RCA or 3.5mm output cables, included with purchase. Anti-resonance, silicone platter.

Price: $149.99
Website: 808Audio.com

Saddleback Leather Company Dominoes set

 

Saddleback is mainly recognized for their leather bags, but this is a dominoes set that is made of …. you guessed it, leather! Just like their bags, your grandkids will fight over this set when you’re dead.

Price: $189.00
Website: www.saddlebackleather.com/dominoes-set

Focal: Spark and Spark Wireless

Mobile in-ear headphones with exceptional Focal sound and performance at affordable prices

  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Electrodynamic 9.5mm mylar driver
  • Flat, anti-tangle cable
  • 3-button remote control with omnidirectional microphone
  • Exceptional performance/price ratio
  • Bluetooth 4.1 in Spark Wireless
  • Included with each pair of Spark are three pairs of silicone tips and one rigid carrying case
  • Included with each pair of Spark Wireless are three pairs of silicone tips, a USB cable, one battery clip for sports activities and one rigid carrying case
  • Available now in Black and Silver Spark
  • Blue Cobalt and Spark Wireless Rose Gold will be available mid to late July

Check out our reviews of the Focal Spark and Spark Wireless headphones.

Price: $69 (Spark); $99 (Spark Wireless)
Available at: www.focal.com/headphones

How to enter (please read carefully – any missed steps and your entry will be disqualified):

Between now and 08/07/2017 midnight EST leave a comment on this page answering the questions below.

  1. How long have you been visiting The Gadgeteer?
  2. What’s your favorite thing about The Gadgeteer?
  3. If you could change one thing about the site, what would it be?

Get a 2nd bonus entry by subscribing to our newsletter:
You’ll receive 3 emails a week with latest post info. Subscribe here.
If you’re already a newsletter subscriber, let me know and you’ll get a 2nd bonus entry.

Get a 3rd bonus entry by tweeting:
The Gadgeteer is 20 Yrs old. Join the celebration by winning 1 of 3 gadget prize packs. Entering is easy! http://bit.ly/2vsHIQh

Get a 4th bonus entry by linking to The Gadgeteer home page on Facebook.

Make sure you come back to this page and leave a separate 2nd comment stating that you subscribed to the newsletter, a 3rd comment with a link to your tweet and a 4th comment with a link to your Facebook post. To get the links for Twitter and Facebook, just click the time stamp of your post and it will give you the page with that post so you can grab the link.

At some point on 08/08/2017, I’ll pick three random winners using random.org. The winners will be contacted by email and will have 48 hrs to claim their prizes. If I do not receive an answer to my emails in that time period, I’ll do other random.org drawings till the prize packs are claimed.

Rules:

1. Only one entry per person (warning: I check IP addresses).

2. Gadgeteer writers and their immediate family members may not enter this contest.

3. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for any lost packages due to incorrect shipping addresses.

4. the-gadgeteer.com is not responsible for the winner not accepting their prize offer within 48hrs. The winner will be posted on this contest page, in the contest page comment section and will be emailed using the email provided in the comment section. Check your spam folder.

5. Winner must have a US shipping address.

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The Gadgeteer just turned 20yrs old, so we’re giving away stuff to celebrate! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 2, 2017 at 7:03 am.

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Gadgeteer team EDC updates – Bob Patterson

Hello, friends! Welcome to Bob’s EDC update. I am always on the go for work and I am obsessive about functional design, so I’m constantly tweaking my toolsets to optimize my daily carry. Here’s the go-to list of items that find their way into my daily EDC!

(Note: I’ve included links to all the items on my list where available f you would like to check them out yourself. In some cases, an item may be an older model, so I have linked to the latest product page where appropriate.)

The Bag.

I’m obsessive about bags. I have used more messengers, briefcases, and backpacks than I care to count. My current go-to is the Timbuk2 Command Backpack. It allows me to haul a whole day’s worth of work stuff (including lunch, gym gear, etc.), and it’s ridiculously comfortable to carry for extended periods. It looks good in a business-casual workplace, and it’s great for one-bag work travel for a short trip. I do have some issues with the accessibility and pocket design, but I have yet to beat it for day-to-day flexibility and capacity.

Having said that… we’re moving to an “open space” office design at work, and I’ll need to adapt to a more flexible, mobile office solution. I’m thinking that a bigger messenger bag may meet my needs, and I’m researching solutions at this time (I don’t mind taking suggestions!).

The Laptop. 

I work in digital marketing, so testing things across multiple devices is a key part of my job. I have a Thinkpad, but I much prefer my 13″ MacBook Air for daily use on the go. It’s smaller size and lighter weight is great for running about. Did you happen to notice that MacBook skin in the picture? Kinda cool, right? That’s a natural Stone Skin from Cover-Up, which I am currently evaluating for an upcoming review here on The Gadgeteer. More on that soon!

The Tablet.

I’m experimenting with switching to a tablet as a laptop replacement for day-to-day use. I have a work-issued iPad Air that I can use get 80% of my work done, but the current love of my life is the iPad Pro 12.9″. This is my personal tablet, and I have it tricked out with the iPad Pro Smart Keyboard and the Apple Pencil. With this combination, I can accomplish virtually any business, personal, or creative task that I need to get done.

If you’re wondering about the illustration on the iPad in the photo, that’s one of mine. I draw for fun, and to keep my creative muscles in working order. That piece was done in Sketchbook Pro, but I’m currently digging Proceate as my go-to drawing package. Its integration with the Apple Pencil is amazing.

The Phone. 

I’m an iPhone guy from the first generation, and I currently have the iPhone 6S. It’s got all the function and ease-of-use I need at this point, and I don’t see the need to upgrade any time soon. My phone case is also a Cover-Up product, called the Stone Explorer. It’s also a natural stone material like the MacBook skin. I’ll be posting pictures of this along with a detailed review with my evaluation of the MacBook Stone Skin soon!

The Headphones.

My headphones are the Yurbuds Signature Series Sport Earphones. I hit the gym almost every day and these buds are great for their durability, comfort, and water resistance. Sound quality is not exceptional, but more than good enough for playing tunes & drowning out background noise. The microphone is pretty good for personal and conference calls, with minimal background interference. The wire-wrapped chords minimize tangles, which is an added plus.

The Wallet. 

Last year I picked up a Harvey’s Seat Belt Wallet. I’m a fan. Not only is it a cool eco-friendly solution, but it’s indestructible and really well designed to carry all of your cards & cash without getting overly bulky.

The Coffee Gear.

Life without coffee is unthinkable. I’ve been using an Aerobie Aeropress Coffee Maker for years. As long as you have access to hot water, it makes the best brewing solution out there in a simple, portable package. I also use stainless steel mesh filters instead of paper filters (yes, it does make a difference in flavor!). There is an  endless variety of these filters available through Amazon, but these are the ones I currently use.

I grind my own beans fresh every morning and keep in a classic Ball jar for transport. You can’t beat Ball jars. They keep a tight seal, they’re compact, and they are virtually unbreakable.

The Beverage Mug.

The Force is strong with is my Tervis mug. I love that you can go from hot-to-cold in this double-walled beastie, it is easy to clean, and really tough. They also sell a variety of add-ons for lids and accessories. The only downside to this mug is that the lid is not completely sealable, so you do have to be careful about transport. I’ll probably need to switch to a watertight option if I switch to a messenger bag, but I’m a Star Wars guy. I’m kind of attached to my Stormtrooper mug at the moment.

Accessory Pouches.

I love Tom Bihn products and have owned a number of their bags over the years. Tom Bihn is legendary for the design and build quality of their bags and accessories, all made in Seattle. Pictured here are a set of their accessory pouches that I use to corral all the loose stuff in my bag. There’s a standard pouch (the blue one), a padded pouch that’s great for delicate items (the black one), and a cool little pouch that uses a cork material that I have never seen anywhere else. Every pouch also comes with a built-in clip, which allows me to keep them attached to a ring for easy access when dumped into the bottom of my pack. Check out the Tom Bihn web site for all of their products.

The Ukulele.

I’m an avid ukulele player, and I own several of them. I wouldn’t call myself good, but I compensate for a lack of skill with a ton of enthusiasm. I’ll confess that I normally don’t carry my ukulele… but it felt right to sneak one into the picture. 😉

That’s the rundown, my friends! If you have any specific questions or comments about my daily EDC, let me know!

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Gadgeteer team EDC updates – Bob Patterson originally appeared on on March 20, 2017 at 3:25 pm.

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