![\"whats_in_my_bag-everything\"](\"https:\/\/kk.org\/cooltools\/files\/2014\/06\/whats_in_my_bag-everything.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n(Click on images to embiggen)<\/em>\u00a0I work pretty much anywhere I can find a table, but I hate lugging a big heavy bag around. On a good day I’ll walk a few miles with it on my shoulder so I want something light and slim that makes the best use of space.<\/p>\n The bag:<\/strong> But it isn’t quite perfect, so I made a few modifications:<\/p>\n Electronics:<\/strong><\/p>\n Kindle<\/a>: $69 It’s the plain Kindle e-reader. It’s had a hard life but still works well. I do the majority of my reading on it. I keep it in the back slip pocket so I can pull it out whenever I want to fill unexpected downtime in a relaxing way.<\/p>\n Macbook Air 13″<\/a>: $1140 It’s starting to show its age, but it still does everything I need, and the screen is the smallest that can handle tasks like video and image editing.<\/p>\n Logitech Anywhere Mouse MX<\/a>: $47. I like the trackpad on my Mac but there are some things that are much faster with a mouse. This one is small but fits well in my hand. Rarely needs batteries and I can leave the Bluetooth off on my laptop, conserving its battery too.<\/p>\n Electronics support:<\/strong><\/p>\n Assorted removable memory. I lose memory cards and thumb drives like nothing else, so I keep an assortment of cheap ones that won’t make me cringe when I lose them. Whatever I find on clearance or collect as swag.<\/p>\n Headphones. They work as a headset for my phone but 99% of the time I use them to block out shared workspace distractions, like that person at the next table talking loudly about their colonoscopy.<\/p>\n Tiny USB to iPhone adapter. In case my phone runs low of power. I bought this one in something of an emergency from an airport vending machine a few years ago. I don’t love it, it picks up dirt like crazy. But it works, so I haven’t replaced it.<\/p>\n Duckbill plug adapter. Most laptop power supplies come with a short cord with an 8-ball connector on one end and a wall plug on the other. This takes the place of that, so I can plug my power adapter right into the wall. I only use it when traveling so it stays in my bag.<\/p>\n Large microfiber cloth. Almost as useful as Douglas Adam’s towel. Good for keeping laptops, tablets, phones, glasses, and other things clean but comes in handy in many other situations too.<\/p>\n Writing:<\/strong><\/p>\n My favorite, affordable writing utensils are the Pilot G-2 0.5mm black pen<\/a>\u00a0($13\/doz.), the Industrial Fine Point Sharpie<\/a> ($7\/doz.), and the Paper Mate Clearpoint 0.5mm pencil<\/a>\u00a0($34\/doz.). They all work well and are cheap enough to buy by the dozen. The best feature of the pencil is the huge extendable eraser. I also cary replacement 3B pencil lead<\/a> to make nice dark lines.<\/p>\n I also carry a small spiral notebook with perforated pages for writing down things I want to give to someone else. But for most of my writing and sketching I use Muji B5 30 page notebook<\/a>\u00a0($25\/5-pack). It also works as an emergency mousepad when my mouse has problems with my work surface.<\/p>\n Personal care:<\/strong><\/p>\n Rohto Hydra eye drops<\/a>\u00a0($34\/2-pack). I have allergies and I live in the desert, so I use these quite a bit. I like Rohto drops because they work well, take up very little room in my bag, and the little dispenser is a joy to use.<\/p>\n Wet wipe<\/a>\u00a0($28\/gross). I don’t need it often, but when I do I’m glad to have it. It takes up almost no space so there’s no reason not to carry one.<\/p>\n Tissues. Mostly for unexpected allergies, but generally useful for all kinds of things.<\/p>\n Listerine Breath Strips<\/a> ($16\/doz.). Unlike most mints, breath strips don’t rattle in the bag.<\/p>\n Assorted Bandages. Something else I rarely need, but takes up so little space I might as well carry a few.<\/p>\n<\/a>Victorinox Wainwright 15 Slim Laptop Brief<\/a>: $168.\u00a0It’s well made, slim, and has the right number and size of pockets. The back pocket can zip open at the bottom to slide over upright luggage handles.<\/p>\n\n
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