I carry a backpack when I go to the office. It’s the same backpack I carry when I travel for work. Here’s what inside my bag.
High Sierra Backpack
To begin with, I have a High Sierra backpack, which I bought at a discount store for about $24. It’s been with me for 3 years now. I like its construction, the number of pockets and compartments. It has been sturdy and durable.
Laptop.
I have a Dell Latitude E7440. It’s an older Windows laptop with Intel Core i5 processor. It was issued by the company I work for. It’s good enough for the work I do.
Strathmore Mixed Media Sketchpad.
This sketchpad’s size is 5.5 in X 8.5 in. It has served as the dashboard for my personal and professional life. It’s where I keep track of my to-do list, it’s where I write down my dreams and my plans; and it’s where I dump my heart out when I am going through something and need a place to process my thoughts and emotions. To keep it straight, I have a small black binder to keep it in.
Pentel Energel LiquidInk
This is the kind of pen I love using because of its 0.3 mm needle tip. I have it in blue, black, and red for marking. I do like doodling and writing in my small handwriting. It’s perfect! My only complaint is that the ink runs when water or coffee drops fall into it.
Pen Case
I bought this from the National Bookstore in the Philippines. It’s where I keep other pens, highlighters, and a pencil.
Bueno Insulated Travel Mug
Coffee is very important for me. Even better if I avoid using disposable cups. So this travel mug is a lifesaver at airports and meetings! I am not quite at the place where I want to bring coffee beans and a coffee kit with me. But that isn’t a bad idea at all!
Chargers for my Smartphone and Fitbit Blaze.
Smartphone batteries die quickly now. I carry my charger so I can plug it in when I need to. The battery of my Fitbit Blaze lasts longer–I only need to charge it after 3 days of use.
In addition, I have an Innogie portable battery charger, which is a lifesaver for long trips.
Logitech Wireless Mouse
My laptop’s track pad is pretty good, but having a mouse helps me work on my blog and manipulate any images. It’s also good for capturing screenshots.
Smartphone tripod holder
Not a big selfie taker but it helps if I have a way to use my phone to get better photos, or take a group photo for the meetings I attend.
AKG Earphones
I love listening to podcasts and audiobooks. My earphones are a great way to catch up with episodes and learn about a particular topic. Sometimes, I just listen to my favorite music on Spotify.
Passport and a Hickok Card Holder
My passport just stays in my backpack so I am ready for any international travel. I also have a Hickok card holder for my business cards, ATMs, and credit cards.
The Daily Stoic reader.
This year, I decided to read Stoic philosophy. It’s a good reminder about accepting the things I cannot change and working hard to change the things that I have control over. Ryan Holiday’s Daily Stoic is a compilation of stoic meditations and aphorisms. It’s a great way to start the day.
Miscellaneous Items
Here’s a bunch of other things in my bag. If I travel internationally, I put a pair of shorts, a shirt or two, underwear, and a smaller bag of toiletries.
- Sunglasses
- Advil for when I get migraine.
- A pulse oxymeter for checking my heartrate
- TSA padlock
- USB drive
- home & office keys
These are my stuff. And I probably could remove some of them to minimize what’s in my bag.