My Tech “Go Bag”
One of my favorite Parks and Rec scenes is when Ron Swanson, running from his ex-wife, busts open an air vent, wishes Leslie “Godspeed”, and runs for the hills.
Now, I’m no Ron Swanson, but I do keep my Tech Backpack fully stocked for all occasions, emergency and otherwise. Here’s what I carry.
KOPACK Business Backpack
The first is the bag itself. Sadly, the KOPACK Business Backpack Scan Smart /Anti Theft /Tsa Friendly Laptop Bag Black 17 Inch is out of stock, with no expected return.
The closest alternative I’ve found is this: https://www.amazon.com/kopack-Backpack-Waterproof-Computer-Business/dp/B07FYBSJXS/ref=pd_di_sccai_2
One of the reasons I love this so much is the price. I’ve heard great reviews about Timbuktu. But I’ve never wanted to drop $200 on a backpack.
The key here however, is multiple pockets. I despise the single-pocket backpacks where everything is jumbled together. When I open my laptop compartment, I get my laptop. When I open my main compartment, I get my charging cables. When I open the front compartment, I get pens, breathmints, and eye drops. But more on all that later.
Additionally, I like this backpack because it includes a “hidden” compartment. Whether you store a little cash, your passport when traveling, or anything else. It’s nice to have it so close.
MacBook Pro 16"
Is it the best configurable, portable development machine on the market? It is until they upgrade it to include the new M2 chip (whenever that gets released).
It’s got the power to crank through any work I need to do anywhere I happen to be. And, with its battery size and processor throttling, it usually gets me through an entire day of work.
iPad Pro
I carry an iPad Pro for one reason, and one reason only. The Apple Pencil.
Being able to draw in a digital medium is lifesaving when I’m on the road. It allows me to sketch out wire frames and site mock ups. Additionally, it allows me to whiteboard with clients, as I can screen share via Zoom.
Apple AirTag
I know it’s brand new and they can be hard to find. If you’re not an Apple fan, this is replacing a Tile Tracker.
Regardless, I highly recommend a tracker. With all the stuff I put in my bag, it’s likely that a thief wouldn’t find it immediately, giving me a window to recover the bag.
Additionally, if you’ve ever misplaced a bag at a conference, you know the value of being guided toward a specific location.
Anker PowerBank 26800
This is the largest power bank maker makes. I have charged MacBook Pros off this thing.
To be clear, if you’re using your laptop at the same time you’re plugged in, the power bank is only enough to slow try depletion. But that was enough for me.
Back in the day, in the before times, I was on a bus trip across Ireland. With this, I was able to work on the ride there, enjoy the coast, and work on the ride back.
Belkin 3-Outlet Surge Protector
Again, in the before times, I used to fly quite a bit. Being able to open up a crowded outlet is a friend-maker.
Even now, I still travel locally with it. Turning one outlet into 3 plugs, PLUS two USB ports is a great use of space.
Apple AirPods Pro
You’ve got a lot of options when it comes to audio. But whatever you use, make it quality.
I’m not saying I have audiophile hearing. But the noise cancellation in the AirPods Pro is definitely discernible. It makes airplane trips, even car rides, immensely more enjoyable, since I don’t have to crank the audio up, just to drown out the ambient noise.
Moleskine
I’ve written in Moleskine notebooks since 2016. Going analog has been incredibly therapeutic for me. I write nearly everything, including yearly goals, quarterly check-ins, daily thoughts/insights, business ideas, and conference notes.
Keeping a Moleskine and a pen with me at all times means that even if I run out of battery, I won’t lose an idea.
Charging Cables
- USB-A to USB-C
- USB-A to Lightning
- USB-A to Micro USB
- Apple Watch Charger
My suggestion? Buy different colors for each one so they’re easier to identify/grab.
Misc.
Lens Cleaning Cloth
Keep those screens clean! ‘Nuff said?
Breath mints
You never know when you’re going to meet a client. Maybe right after you eat that Steak Philly with extra onions? Keep a small tin of mints on hand to ensure you come off smelling . . . well, not like onions.
Eye Drops
Eye fatigue is a thing. If you’re staring at a screen all day, you should be taking care of your eyes. Eye drops helps ensure that your eyes stay hydrated.
OTC Pain Reliever
Note: I am not a doctor. This is not medical advice. Please speak to your doctor before taking any medicine.
But conference headaches are a thing. Be prepared.
Quarters
If you’ve ever been stuck trying to get through a toll, buy a ticket on public transit, or a drink from a vending machine, you’ll never go anywhere without pocket change again.
