Somehow, we’re back with another round of Everyday Carry - Quarantine edition. You can see last year’s list here
Just like last year, I fully acknowledge the absurdity of having an EDC when my most adventurous days rely on rolling the trash bin out for collection. However, having a small bag that I pack scratches the OCD itch in my brain and provides a sense of normalcy in a time where normal is a commodity.
Things that actually live with me throughout the day.
Tom Bihn Daylight Briefcase
I swapped out the Extra Small Timbuk2 Messenger for the Daylight Briefcase for no real reason, aside from its ability to fit a 13” laptop, as I’ve been using that to get away from the desk during office hours lately. I’ve had this bag for a few years now and it remains great as ever. It offers enough organization to store everything I’d like, and just like last year, any EDC bag is overkill as we remain firmly locked down, but it totes things up and down the stairs admirably.
Like most Tom Bihn bags, design and construction are top-notch, and the bag can’t help but ooze a dorky vibe. A dedicated space for a water bottle would be great, but otherwise no qualms.
iPad 11” with Magic Keyboard & Pencil
My non-day job daily driver continues to be the 2018 edition of the iPad Pro. Since the Magic Keyboard released, the iPad is my default device for email, texting, web browsing, and writing. To start 2021 I also moved my journaling practice over to the iPad.
The tablet remains my preferred method for light photo and video editing. From an audio lens, it performs double duty as a portable DAW machine, and as a soundboard that feeds into a proper mixer for podcasts. I’ll switch to Adobe Creative Cloud programs on desktop for bigger jobs, but more often than not, I just get it done with the iPad instead
The top 10 most commonly used apps are GoodNotes, DayOne, Ulysses, Lightroom, Insta 360, LumaFusion, Procreate, Reminders, Ferrite, and good old Safari.
AirPods Pro
Love them. Still use them more than I should. Like when cooking, running, and staring at the wall in existential dread. I’ve given up on the PXC-500s completely, not because they’re bad headphones, but because these are so damn good.
Kindle
In 2020 I read 52 books. 40 of those were on the Kindle. I have a far less ambitious goal of 24 books for 2021, but the Kindle Paperlite remains my e-reader of choice.
Anker 10k battery pack
Along with USB C to C and USB A to Everything cables, this slim battery stays in the bag because there is room, and sometimes my laziness is truly boundless. Why move to a wall outlet if there is a charger at hand?
Apple Watch Series 6 with Cellular
A late addition in 2020, I replaced the Fitbit Versa with an Apple Watch. One of my main goals over the past year has been getting fit, and the watch has been hugely helpful. Runs and walks without my phone are freeing, and Apple’s gamification of active calories, exercise minutes, and stand goals is way more edifying than the step-based Fitbit system. It hooks up seamlessly to the Peloton Bike to track rides and give heart rate metrics, and I also use it for literally every other workout like the 100 Push-up challenge.
This was absolutely a luxury purchase, but I find myself using it constantly. Laura and I even use the walkie-talkie feature, most often when we call in for backup with the kids during bathtime. Buying into the Cupertino ecosystem means that everything pairs and syncs easily. A typical day is routed through the watch and only addressed on another device when necessary.
iPhone 12 Pro w/ MagSafe Wallet
Last year’s iPhone season meant a new iPhone upgrade. I use the portrait lens a ton on this phone, and the industrial design is far more appealing than the iPhone 11.
The MagSafe wallet is a revelation, and I keep the 3 cards in there that I invariably need to use. Again, not so valuable in the pandemic, but helpful on coffee and beer runs.
When I leave the house, and honestly, usually when I’m in the house too.
PocKit
I recently picked up the Yellowbirch PocKit Pro, and while it definitely won’t fit in anything but a jacket pocket, it’s a great pouch for all the on-the-go and nice to have accessories. Honestly, it feels like a fanny pack or miniature sling without the easy carry of either, but it slips well enough into a coat pocket, messenger bag or diaper bag. The below items fit within the PocKit.
Fisher Space Pen
This is a full-size pen, same less than stellar writing experience as any Space Pen, but its bulletproof reliability outweighs that drawback. The PocKit accommodates the bigger size, which I find more comfortable to hold than the bullet.
Leatherman Skeletool
I had a much loved Leatherman Wave that I lost on a shoot a few years ago. I used it constantly but didn’t want to spend the money to buy another. This is a simpler replacement, and honestly, I use it ALL THE TIME. There are always a million little quick fix tasks around the house, and rather than grabbing the dedicated tool, I just use the screwdriver bit, pliers or blade found here. Easily my favorite addition to my EDC. It lives in my pocket more often than in the PocKit, and the only thing I miss from the Wave is the scissor set.
Olight S1
A close second favorite in 2021 EDC. This miniature flashlight is incredible. I’ve always used budget flashlights and wanted to see what a “proper” light can do. With rechargeable batteries, this thumb-sized torch can put out as much as 1,200 lumens and is the perfect check the sump, walk the dog, read spooky stories with the kids flashlight.
Field Notes
Jot down notes. I’ve shifted most of my journaling to digital thanks to the iPad, but pen and paper is still great to have on hand.
Roav Balto Sunglasses
These continue to be my favorite sunglasses. They fold down to the thickness of a couple of credit cards and over 3+ years of constant abuse they snap open, look good, and keep working.
Uniqlo Airism Mask
We’ve all gotten well versed in masks these days huh? I’ve found these fit my face best, and are affordable and easy to clean. A backup mask lives in the zippered area of the PocKit.
Ridge Wallet
I stash a bit of cash, along with additional cards here, typically a backup credit card and insurance cards.
Light Filmmaking
Osmo Pocket 2
A substantial upgrade to the original, this lives in the bag, and the wider lens and quality of life improvements make this a cool little device. Great for impromptu vlogging and capturing moments with the kids. I keep the do it all handle on at all times, and the little lav mic works fairly well. If this worked as a webcam it would be even better.
Insta360 OneX2
A 360 cam! This injects pure joy into my gadget nerd heart and I break it out on runs, Onewheel trips, and walks with the boys. The footage is unique, if not spectacular and it is just so damn fun to use.
Audio
I’ve been working to up my audio production game. I’ve always used a field recorder and dynamic mic in the past, but I picked up the Rode NT-Mini as a replacement condenser mic for my daily zoom meetings. It’s so damn portable I sometimes pack it up to use as a voiceover mic with the iPad as well. This is rare, but the small form factor of the two devices is great to use together, even if it requires wired headphones for monitoring.
The bag is big enough to throw in a Fuji X100 or XT series with a lens or two. It’ll even fit the Mavic Air 2 or Mini with some clever packing. I honestly, haven’t felt the need to do that, and would probably just use a more camera gear-oriented bag instead, but this little bag can fit a surprising amount of gear if you want it to.