A couple of years ago, I shared a look at my everyday carry in a “What’s In My Backpack” review. It’s a popular format, and for a good reason—we’re all curious about the gear that helps others be productive and organized. Despite my backpack lacking any portals to other dimensions or super-powered gadgets, the response was fantastic. People genuinely find value in seeing a practical, real-world setup.
Given that positive feedback, and considering how much my life and work have evolved since then, I decided it was the perfect time for an updated tour. My gear has changed, my needs have shifted, and I’ve learned a lot more about what truly makes for an effective everyday carry (EDC). This is my 2017 gear and EDC update.
Since that last article, I’ve experienced some significant life changes. The biggest one was moving from Iowa to Denver, Colorado. This move drastically increased my reliance on my bike for commuting, which in turn influenced the type of bag I needed for daily use. It had to be comfortable, secure, and accessible while on the move.
Furthermore, my travel habits have transformed. As I’ve started putting more effort into dressing better and frequently traveling with a full camera setup, the dream of being a single carry-on traveler had to be put on hold. It’s simply not feasible anymore.
My beloved Minaal Carry-On was an incredible companion for a long time. It’s a brilliant bag for one-bag travel, boasting a massive amount of space. However, it couldn’t simultaneously and safely house my running shoes, a camera body, multiple lenses, and other tech gear alongside a week’s worth of clothing and my laptop. Something had to give.
This led me to adopt the two-bag travel system: a dedicated backpack for my tech and essentials, and a separate rolling suitcase for clothes and other items. This approach, while less minimalist, is far more practical for my current needs. For those curious, my rolling luggage of choice is the London Fog Coventry suitcase. It’s compact enough for most overhead bins, and its distinctive gold trim makes it easy to spot on the rare occasions I have to check it.
Once I started traveling with a suitcase, the large Minaal backpack became overkill for my daily needs. While it excels at maximizing carry-on space, it feels somewhat floppy and cumbersome when it’s not packed to capacity. This realization kicked off my search for a new daily driver—a backpack designed for organization and easy access rather than sheer volume. After some research and testing, I found the perfect fit.
The Ultimate Daily Driver: My New Backpack
Today, my go-to bag is the eBags Professional Slim Laptop backpack. This bag is a masterclass in thoughtful design and functionality for the modern professional, student, or creative.
Although it’s smaller than the Minaal, its genius lies in its compartmentalization. The layout is incredibly intuitive, making it a far superior backpack for day-to-day use. Unlike the Minaal, which could sometimes feel like a single large cavern, the eBags backpack stands upright on its own, and every piece of my essential gear has a designated, easily accessible home. It has completely streamlined my workflow.
To give you a better idea of its brilliant design, here is a breakdown of its key compartments:
- The Laptop Compartment: The main rear compartment is heavily padded and provides excellent protection for my laptop. It’s snug and secure, giving me peace of mind when I’m on the move. There’s also enough extra space for a couple of notebooks or a folder.
- The Tablet Sleeve: At the top of the bag, there’s a separate, dedicated compartment perfectly sized for an iPad or a similar tablet. A huge plus is its incredibly soft interior lining, which protects the screen from scratches, even without a case.
- The Main Storage Area: The next compartment forward is a versatile space that offers ample room for larger items. This is where I typically store my books, over-ear headphones, and other bulky gear.
- The Organizer Panel: The front compartment is my favorite for organization. It unzips on three sides, allowing it to open flat like a book. This reveals a comprehensive organizer panel with numerous small pockets for business cards, pens, chargers, and other small accessories. This feature eliminates the frustrating experience of digging through a deep pocket for a small item. Everything is visible and within reach.
However, the single feature that sold me on this backpack—and the one I rave about to everyone—is the special compartment at the very bottom.
This bottom pocket, often called a “cord garage,” is a game-changer. It’s a self-contained space designed specifically to hold a laptop charging brick and its associated cables. In every other backpack I’ve ever owned, the bulky charger was an awkward item to pack, often getting tangled with other gear. With this pocket, I can store and retrieve my MacBook charger in seconds. It’s an incredibly simple yet profoundly effective design choice that I adore.
The Essential Gear I Carry Every Day
So, what exactly do I fill this fantastic backpack with? Interestingly, I believe I’m carrying fewer items now than I was two years ago. My philosophy has shifted towards carrying only high-quality, versatile essentials. While the list is shorter, many items have been upgraded, and a few new additions have proven their worth. Here is the complete list:
- MacBook Pro 15″ (Mid-2016 edition) – This is my primary workhorse. I upgraded from a MacBook Air when my work started to involve serious video editing and motion graphics with After Effects. This more powerful machine allows me to maintain a productive creative workflow, even when I’m away from my main desk setup.
- iPad Mini 4 – My iPad serves as my main device for reading and writing on the go. When traveling, especially on cramped airplanes, pairing the iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard is far more comfortable and practical than using a full-sized laptop. I protect it with a simple, affordable case that also functions as a multi-angle stand.
- Apple Magic Keyboard – This is the Bluetooth keyboard that transforms my iPad into a capable writing machine. While cheaper options exist, I believe in investing in quality tools for my primary work. A comfortable and reliable keyboard is non-negotiable.
- Notebook and Sketchbook – Despite all my tech, I still value the power of analog tools. I use a simple notebook for ideas and meeting notes, and a sketchbook for brainstorming and mind-mapping. Neither is fancy, but they are incredibly effective.
- A Simple Folder – My need to carry physical documents has decreased significantly. I now use a single folder to hold any loose papers I collect while I’m out, keeping them organized and uncreased.
- Bose QC35 Noise-Cancelling Headphones – These were a true game-changer for my focus. I was initially skeptical, but active noise cancellation allows me to create a bubble of concentration in noisy coffee shops, airports, or open-plan offices. They empower me to work effectively from anywhere. While they are an investment, for a more budget-friendly option, consider the Cowin E7, which offers decent performance for its price.
- Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth Headphones – These are my dedicated workout headphones. They are sweat-resistant and designed to stay in place during runs or gym sessions. I often keep them in my bag to listen to audiobooks or podcasts while biking to my workspace.
- Books – I’m almost always reading a physical book, usually for research related to an upcoming video or article.
- Apple Earbuds – A simple pair of wired earbuds always lives in my backpack as a reliable backup. They don’t need charging and are perfect for quick calls or if my other headphones are unavailable.
- Water Bottle – Staying hydrated is crucial for staying focused. Carrying a reusable water bottle is a simple habit that ensures I drink enough water throughout the day. This one is made of steel, making it durable and eco-friendly.
- Business Cards – You never know when you’ll meet a new contact. I carry a small stack of high-quality, double-thickness cards from Moo. They make a memorable first impression.
- Stanley Multi-tool – This inexpensive and compact tool has come in handy more times than I can count for small, unexpected repairs. It includes pliers, knife blades, and a screwdriver.
- Sunglasses & Sunscreen – Living in sunny Denver, these are absolute non-negotiables for protecting my eyes and skin.
- Pens and Pencils – Basic writing instruments for my notebooks. Nothing fancy, just reliable tools.
- VGA and Ethernet Adapters – Relics of a bygone era, perhaps, but these adapters are essential when traveling for speaking gigs where I might need to connect to an older projector or a wired internet connection.
And that’s the complete rundown of my current everyday carry! If you’re building out your own kit, I also recommend checking out my ultimate college packing guide, my list of essential book recommendations, and my comprehensive resources page, which covers many of the apps and digital tools I use daily. You can also explore this general guide for what to put in your backpack to get more ideas.