A 2025 update on my Brightline flight bag

I’ve been using the same flight bag for the past ~10 years. 2015 configuration; 2020 configuration. The tech stack has evolved a bit. Still have the same Stratus 2S (it could probably use a battery replacement at this point). Upgraded the iPad mini to a 6th generation, which of course meant a new RAM cradle (reused the old hardware) and protective bag and a cheap pencil. The iPad is connected via a medium length RAM arm to the older RAM-B-121-238U claw, which protrudes just enough to go under every yoke I’ve tried it with (Beech, Piper, Mooney) and feels a bit more stable than having a longer RAM arm.

For power, a Shargeek 140 battery pack is slim enough to fit in the middle outer pocket of the Brightline FLEX Pocket Cap (blue zippers section #4 on this diagram), and has more than enough power output and capacity to “fuel” multiple hours of flight. Cables, I have a 15W USB A to USB C cable for the Stratus (it doesn’t seem to like power delivery negotiation, but charges just fine on an older style USB A socket), a Sabrent USB C to USB C cable with an LED to show power output, for the iPad mini, another for an iPhone (I’m on the 16 Pro now, so, I don’t have much left that uses Lightning), an Anker 323 USB-C Car Charger Adapter, 52.5W for charging devices (or the battery pack) from an airplane / courtesy car cigar lighter, an Anker PowerCore Fusion 10,000 mAh, 20W USB-C Portable Charger, 2-in-1 for topping off my phone or running a GoPro or whatever, and/or recharging in a hotel room or FBO lounge (though that unit appears to be discontinued, and maybe an Anker Nano 3-in-1 is the successor in spirit?). Finally, I added this travel Apple Watch charger and nixed the bulky cable form my kit.

Charging cables
Charging cables

Charging cables
PowerCore Fusion, deodorant, watch charger, 12V charger

For in-flight hydration, I can confirm the Hydro Flask Standard Mouth 18 oz. bottle fits perfectly in the Side Pocket Alpha, and keeps water cool unlike the Camelbak I used to use. I use it with the Flex Straw mouth lid.

Center Section 4

  1. Top big (yellow): Keys and wallet in flight; spare AA batteries in a caddy; Pulse oximeter; Carbon Monoxide Alarm; 
  2. Top front (green): Yaesu SCU-15 headset adapter; 3.5mm M/M audio cable; Apple USB C to 3.5 mm adapter/DAC 
  3. Top inner (white): iPhone (in flight)
  4. Middle large (blue): Shargeek 140 battery pack
  5. Middle outer (red): Pens etc.
  6. Middle inner (purple): ASA AFT SHORT fuel tester
  7. Bottom large (yellow): Car charger; PowerCore Fusion battery pack / 110V charger; travel Apple Watch charger; and travel deodorant
  8. Bottom outer (green): Aleve; Vivarin
  9. Bottom inner (blue): Gerber multitool
  10. (Not on diagram): The innter ‘full width flat “slip” pocket’ holds an iPad mini 6 and pencil in a protective bag.
  • Inner: MacBook Air (occasionally), <= 13.6"
  • Outer (open): Kneeboard with a Lunatik pen/stylus. Kneeboard’s elastic gave out a while ago, but this IDOGEAR Tactical Leg Strap Thigh Belt works (once one of the ends was cut off, if memory serves)
  • Outer pocket (flap): Medical certificate, pilot certificate, password, any other necessary paperwork
Side Pocket Alpha (looks like the B4 Swift is now coming with Side Pocket Echo, which seems like a better fit)

Side Pocket Charlie (looks like they’re bundling Foxtrot now)

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