For the past year, I've been meticulously refining my everyday carry (EDC) setup to achieve the perfect balance of functionality, portability, and style. This journey led me to the G-Tic 30L Travel Pack, a backpack that has become the foundation of my EDC system. This backpack, along with its contents, reflects my commitment to preparedness, efficiency, and maximizing productivity, no matter where I find myself.

Let's explore the individual gadgets and tools that comprise my optimized EDC, highlighting the reasons behind their inclusion and the value they bring to my daily life.

Starting with the Backpack

The G-Tic 30L Travel Pack is more than just a bag; it's my mobile command center. I selected it after testing over 15 other backpacks, drawn to its key features:

• Weather resistance: Keeps my valuable electronics safe and dry.
• Excellent weight distribution: Makes carrying a heavy load more comfortable.
• Impressive storage capacity: Accommodates all my essential gear, from electronics to toiletries.
• Magnetized side pockets: Lie flush when empty, creating a sleek and streamlined profile.
• Convertible design: Unzips completely flat, turning it into a convenient suitcase for hotel room unpacking.
• Expandable capacity: Increases from 20L to 30L to accommodate my camera bag when needed.

Pocket Essentials for Wellness and Security

Even the smaller pockets of my backpack are strategically utilized:

• Right-hand pocket: Houses the Fagun Mini, a compact and powerful massage gun for on-the-go muscle relief. It adheres to my golden rule of USB-C charging for all gadgets, ensuring compatibility with my power management system. This pocket also holds an AirTag secured in a rugged case with a braided metal wire for theft deterrence.
• Left-hand pocket: Contains my trusty Jetstream pen, chosen for its low friction coefficient, which ensures smooth and effortless writing.
• Hidden within the lining: A second AirTag, a security tip I learned from my friend Technical Guruji, provides double protection against loss or theft.

Outer Pockets: Practicality and Style

Moving to the outer pockets, we find a balance of practicality and personal style:

• Dedicated sunglasses pocket: Houses my Rove sunglasses, a folding design with a thin frame that fits perfectly.
• Left-side pocket: Holds my Chile Series 2 water bottle, chosen for its leak-proof design, temperature regulation capabilities (hot and cold), comfortable lip, and silent rubber base.

Front Pockets: Organization and Essential Supplies

The front pockets of my G-Tic backpack are all about organization and carrying essential supplies:

• Key organizer: Provides a secure and dedicated spot for my backup keys.
• Wallet: My Pokémon Center x Fossil wallet, which houses a Chipolo Item Finder, similar to an AirTag but in a card format, for added security.
• Belroy Toiletry Kit Plus: Serves as a container for my smaller electronics, keeping them organized and accessible. This also simplifies airport security checks by consolidating potentially troublesome items.

Tech Powerhouse: Charging and Adapting

Within the Belroy Toiletry Kit Plus, I've created a power management hub:

• Anker Prime Power Bank: The heart of my charging ecosystem, with a 27,600mAh capacity and 250W output. It can even charge my laptop and has a built-in speaker for added functionality.
• Anker Charging Bases: Magnetically connect to the Anker Prime power banks, ensuring a streamlined charging process and minimizing cable clutter. They also have additional ports for charging other devices.
• Maax 100W Universal Travel Adapter: Combines an adapter and charger, featuring four ports and compatibility with outlets from various countries. It eliminates the need for multiple adapters and chargers, streamlining my travel setup.

Smaller Essentials: From SIM Cards to Screen Wipes

This kit also houses smaller but essential items:

• Sim ejector tool: Batman-themed, a reminder of my appreciation for unique gadgets.
• AirPods Pro 2: My go-to wireless earphones, offering a good balance of sound isolation and battery life.
• Zeiss Lens Wipes: Used for thorough screen cleaning, especially when fingerprints become stubborn.
• Span Arc Wire: My reliable USB-C cable, chosen for its durability, fast data transfer speeds, and Thunderbolt 4 capabilities.
• Backup SD card and adapter: For expanding the storage capacity of my iPad Pro and addressing its lack of a built-in SD card slot.
• ESR CH2 Wireless Charger: A lightweight and foldable charger that can power my phone, earphones, and Apple Watch simultaneously. It features second-generation Qi charging for faster speeds and has a removable watch charger for added versatility.

Staying Connected and Productive: Phone, Smartwatch, and Tablet

Moving beyond the tech kit, we encounter the devices that keep me connected and productive:

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: My smartphone of choice, despite primarily using Apple products. Its exceptional battery life was the deciding factor.
• Apple Watch Series 9: While not my ideal design, it serves as my fitness tracker and accountability tool, especially within our team's internal fitness challenge.
• Belroy Wash Bag: In a separate, brown Belroy bag, I keep my toiletries organized and ready for any spontaneous travel opportunity.

Clothing and Comfort

My packing strategy is based on versatility and minimal fuss:

• Theory T-shirts: High-quality, wrinkle-resistant shirts that work for both casual and formal occasions.
• Cargo trousers: Offer ample pocket space and a comfortable, practical alternative to jeans.

Capturing the Moment: Camera Gear

My photography and videography equipment are thoughtfully organized within a dedicated bag:

• Belroy Camera Sling: My compact camera bag, holding only essential equipment for efficient shooting.
• Sony a7S3: My primary camera for capturing high-quality video content.
• Aperture MC Pro: A powerful, portable studio light with adjustable brightness, magnetic attachments, and color customization options.
• Microphones and lenses: For capturing audio and video with precision and adapting to various shooting scenarios.
• USB-C rechargeable spare camera batteries: Ensure uninterrupted shooting and integrate seamlessly with my Anker power management system.

Mobile Workstation: iPad Pro and Accessories

The final piece of my EDC puzzle is my mobile workstation:

• iPad Pro 13-inch: Paired with the Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, it transforms into a powerful work machine capable of handling laptop tasks, note-taking, sketching, and entertainment.
• Cellular model: Provides independent data connectivity, eliminating reliance on hotspots for faster speeds.

Conclusion: A Carefully Curated System

Each element of my EDC has been carefully considered and selected based on its functionality, durability, and compatibility with my overall system. My goal was to create a setup that enables me to work efficiently, be prepared for any opportunity, and maintain a sense of order and control, regardless of my location. This constantly evolving system reflects my commitment to optimizing every aspect of my life, from the tools I use to the way I pack my bag.