What’s in My Backpack: The Ultimate Gear Guide for Professionals and Students

Ever wondered what a full-time independent author, speaker, and video producer carries on a daily basis to stay productive and prepared? You’re in the right place. I’m frequently asked about the specific gear I rely on to get my work done, so I’ve decided to pull back the curtain and give you a complete tour of my backpack.

This isn’t just a list; it’s a look into the carefully curated ecosystem of tools that supports my work. My backpack is my mobile office, accompanying me to coffee shops, my co-working space at Gravitate in Des Moines, and on trips across the country for conferences and speaking engagements. It’s packed with everything I need to write, record, and create, whether I’m capturing b-roll for a video or outlining a new project.

While my professional needs shape my current carry, I haven’t forgotten my roots as a student. I know that many of you are navigating campus life, so I’ve also included a special section dedicated to the essential items I used to pack back in my college days at Iowa State. This guide is designed to be a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to optimize their daily carry, from students to seasoned professionals.

Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of every item, complete with links for you to explore them further. Please note that some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation of free content like this.

For an even broader collection of my favorite apps, books, and tools, be sure to check out my complete Resources page. Now, let’s dive in.

My Daily Carry: The Essential Gear for a Modern Creator

The Backpack: The Foundation of Your Mobile Office

Minaal Carry-On Backpack: This bag was a Kickstarter project I backed years ago, and it has proven to be an incredible investment. It’s designed for one-bag travel, with a clamshell opening that makes packing and unpacking a breeze. The organization is top-notch, and its durable construction has withstood countless trips. While it’s perfect for travel, it might be overkill for daily campus use. For students, I highly recommend the bag I used: the Wenger Synergy Backpack. It’s affordable, incredibly durable, and has all the pockets you need to stay organized for class.

Core Tech & Electronics: The Digital Powerhouse

13″ MacBook Air: After years of using heavy gaming laptops, I switched to a Mac in 2010 and never looked back. The MacBook Air strikes the perfect balance between portability and power for my needs, which include writing, video editing, and design work. The lightweight chassis makes it easy to carry all day. For those who prefer Windows, the Dell XPS 13 is an outstanding alternative that consistently receives rave reviews for its performance and build quality. Check out Laptop Magazine’s list for more options.
iPad Mini: My first-generation iPad Mini primarily serves as my dedicated e-reader, a replacement for my old Kindle. It’s perfect for reading books and articles without the distractions of a full-fledged laptop. In the past, I used it for drawing and note-taking, but I’ve since transitioned back to paper for most of those tasks.
Chargers and Cables: The lifeblood of any tech setup. I always carry my Mac and iPhone chargers. To keep things tidy and be prepared for anything, I also pack a Mini-USB and a Micro-USB cable. You’d be surprised how often a colleague or friend needs to borrow one.
Portable USB Charger: This is a non-negotiable item, especially when traveling. I picked mine up in Japan, and it was a lifesaver for navigating Tokyo with Google Maps, which is a notorious battery drain. A good power bank ensures your devices stay alive when you’re away from an outlet.

Analog Tools for a Digital World: Paper, Pens, and Books

Notebook: Despite all my tech, a simple paper notebook remains my central hub for ideas and planning. I use it for everything: drafting weekly task lists, outlining video scripts, taking notes on books and courses, and fleshing out new business ideas. The physical act of writing helps solidify my thoughts in a way that typing can’t.
Sketchbook: For more visual thinking, I carry a sketchbook with unlined paper. It’s perfect for mind mapping, storyboarding, and creating illustrations for articles, like the ones in my guides on procrastination and student budgeting.
Paperback Book: I almost always have a physical book with me. It’s a great way to fill downtime and continue learning without staring at another screen. The book featured in the video is Think Smart. For more recommendations, see my list of Essential Reads for Students.
Pens and Pencils: Simple, but crucial. I always carry at least two pens. Not only does this provide a backup, but offering a pen to someone in need is a surprisingly effective way to start a conversation and make a new connection.

Professional and Everyday Essentials

Logitech Presenter R800: As a speaker, this remote is indispensable. It allows me to control my presentations wirelessly, and the built-in laser pointer is perfect for highlighting key points on a slide.
Mac Adapters: Being prepared for any connection scenario is key. I carry a Thunderbolt-to-VGA adapter for older projectors and a Thunderbolt-to-Ethernet adapter for times when Wi-Fi is unreliable or unavailable.
Business Cards: You never know when you’ll meet a valuable connection. Having a well-designed business card on hand leaves a lasting, professional impression. I get mine printed from Moo due to their exceptional quality.
Umbrella: Don’t get caught in the rain with thousands of dollars of electronics. A compact umbrella is a small item that can save you from a very bad day. My Minaal bag also has a hidden rain cover for extra protection.
Hoodie: Coffee shops and conference halls are often over-air-conditioned. A lightweight hoodie keeps me comfortable so I can focus on my work.
Tea Thermos: To avoid spills and keep my drink warm, I carry a sealed thermos instead of an open mug. It’s safer for my gear and better for the environment than disposable cups.
Earbuds: Essential for listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls without disturbing others. I use Apple’s EarPods because the built-in microphone is great for calls on the go.

Flashback: My College Backpack Essentials

While my current gear is tailored to my professional life, my backpack looked quite different when I was a student. Here are the items that were mainstays in my bag during my college years.

Accordion Binder: This was my secret weapon for staying organized. Instead of juggling multiple folders and notebooks, I used an accordion binder to keep all my syllabi, handouts, and notes for each class neatly separated in one place.
TI-83+ Graphing Calculator: A requirement for my math and science courses. This classic calculator was a fixture in my bag for years.
Clicker: Many of my large lecture classes used a clicker for attendance and in-class quizzes. If your classes require one, make sure you get the specific model your professor mandates.
Book Flags: These were perfect for marking important passages and terms in textbooks that I couldn’t or didn’t want to highlight, especially if they were rentals.
Skate Tool: Skateboarding was my primary mode of transportation around campus. A skate tool was essential for making quick adjustments to my board on the fly.
Textbooks: Of course, my bag was often weighed down by one or two heavy textbooks. It’s a reality of student life, though I always tried to get digital versions when possible to lighten the load.

Having the right gear in your bag can make a huge difference in your productivity and preparedness. By carefully selecting your tools, you can build a mobile setup that empowers you to do your best work, no matter where you are.

What are the essential items you keep in your bag? Share your favorites in the comments below!