A Geek Goes Flying

I’ve tried a bunch. These Moleskine dupes . (Pen always somehow went missing.) This thing (came close, but without a way to secure it closed, the pages got trashed; the pen is cute though). But I think I’ve found The One™: Leather Field Notes Cover from Etsy seller Tarberry; $21.50 currently (on sale), I got it in black, not personalized. I like that it snaps closed. The ability to stash some emergency cash and a card or three if you were so inclined, are bonuses. Clairefontaine Staplebound 3.5X5.5 notebooks ; $13. I’ve generally had good experience with Clairefontaine paper, if I use it with a fountain pen, etc. I’ve been using these since my days buying pens and an endless supply of journals from Writer’s Bloc [rip]. The other main option are the Field Notes inserts. Currently, a Zebra F-301 I had handy.  I’m likely to swap that for something like a Sakura Pigma Micro , “will not smear or feather when dry,” “waterproof and chemical proof,” etc. (I’ve had, e.g., an improperly...

Tech Pouch, loaded The quest for a perfect day trip setup continues. Enter the Peak Design Tech Pouch V2 . A bit pricier, and a different form factor (not a clamshell), than the ProCase Hard Travel Electronic Organizer Case I’ve been using for about 9 months , for trips to the Disneyland Resort (and Knott’s Berry Farm, and Mammoth, and ...).  The ProCase was mostly fine. The zipper for the small mesh pocket broke early on, but other than that, it’s done the job. But now that I’m going to be bringing larger, 60+ watt output battery packs on many outings , that rigid pack just didn’t quite cut it. My only question is the form factor. I’ll be going through the Mouse’s security perimeter several times in the next few days, will see how it fares there. (Security loved the ProCase clamshell; I just opened it up, flipped the internal divider over, and they waved me through.) ProCase and Tech Pouch V2 next to each other The Tech Pouch has almost exactly the same exterior dimensions...

When my AirPods Pro are working, they’re great. They sound great (especially considering their size), calls are clear, ambient noise is a little weird but much appreciated when walking the dogs along streets, etc. I like ’em. But the left unit will randomly stop working mid-song, or won’t connect at all, or ... Sometimes it’s solved by putting it back in the case and taking it out, or putting both back in the case, or doing a full reset ... Frustrating and annoying! Also, they were over $200 when I got them (they’re $179 now), and I don’t want to lose them out and about. After a disastrous experience with an older Klipsch headphones/mic setup (the person I was on the video conference could barely hear me over all the background noise), I decided to change things up and go a different route in my EDC kit . (One more thing to keep charged, sigh. Was really hoping I could find a good wired setup, but seems not to be a thing.) After reading through a few reviews, I decided on the Edifier ...

Spirit Backpack crammed full I’ve always liked Timbuk2 bags. I explored others for my current needs (the Hershel Nova Small came close), but nothing quite checked all the boxes, until I found the Spirit Laptop Backpack : Padded compartment for a 13" laptop (fits a MacBook Air 2020 and a 2021 MacBook Pro 14" perfectly, although not really padded). External bottle pockets that will accommodate a Contigo Stainless Steel Autoseal West Loop Vacuum-Insulated Travel Mug and a 24 oz. Contigo Autoseal Chill Vacuum-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle . Update: Bending over, the Contigo (diameter 2.75") slipped out, shredding the spigot. I’m going to try the wider (3.6") 32 oz. Hydro Flask . At least one smaller front pocket for an organizer (this one has one larger pocket with a key strap, and another that will hold a wallet or something equally slim). Space for an organizer (“ accessory pack ”) crammed with essentials: Apple MagSafe Battery Pack (game changer!) Logite...