I have never been the most organized person in the world. I have inherited the habit of making "piles" from my father. I think of it as "organized clutter." I know where everything is, but it’s usually not well-organized. This is slowly changing. In fact, I think I have a problem!
I love pockets. I don’t know why. There’s something so…so NEAT about a tiny little space just the right size for "something." As an I.T. professional who helps a lot of people with their computing issues, it behooves me to travel prepared for anything I might encounter. A few years ago I got a new work-issued notebook computer and decided to splurge on a new bag with which to carry it. After a lot of looking and research, I settled on the Hamptons Hybrid from bbpbags.com. This bag is incredible. Pockets in pockets in pockets, with a zipper-access sleeve so you can get right at the computer without otherwise opening the bag. The strap converts so you can wear it over one shoulder, as a messenger bag, or as a low-slung backpack.
As I write this, I am in Atlanta, Georgia a day before the annual Labman Conference. Not yet ready for bed, I decided to inventory my bag and show you what I carry around on a daily basis. Here is all the stuff I carried with me on my trip:
You can see there are 2 bags and my vest. (More on the vest later.) The tan bag has my clothing and toiletries. The black bag is my Hamptons Hybrid. Here is a list of its contents:
- MacBook Pro (17")
- Power Adapter for MacBook Pro
- USB A <–> B Cable
- File Folders (2)
- CD/DVD case (multiple utility and OS restoration disks)
- Over-ear headphones
- FireWire 400 <–> MiniDV cable (for connecting to a camcorder) (2)
- FireWire 800 <–> MiniDV cable (for connecting to a camcorder)
- FireWire 400 <–> 800 cable
- USB Card Reader
- FireWire 800 cables (3…? Don’t know why I have 3! I only need one.)
- Freeloader and cable for iPhone. (Solar- or USB-charged battery for iPhone/iPod/iPad)
- Multimeter (tests continuity, AC, and DC voltage)
- iPhone case
- iPhone cables (2)
- AC <–> USB 2-port charger
- USB <–> Mini USB cables (2)
- Black Pen
- Red Pen
- Black Sharpie
- Mechanical Pencil
- USB Extension
- VGA Cable
- Apple Mini Display Port <–> VGA adapter
- Ethernet Cables (2)
- Deck of cards
- Keys
- 1/8" stereo headphone male-male cable
- 1/8" stereo headphone female-female adapter
- In-ear stereo headphones (earbuds)
- USB WiFi network adapter
- Small locking pliers
- AC <–> USB charger
- Assorted mini screwdriver kit
- AC 3-prong <–> 2-prong adapter
Contents:
The Hybrid Hamptons bag also enclosed my iPad bag. THAT contains:
- Contact lens case
- Black Pen
- Blue Pen
- Mechanical Pencil
- Highlighter
- Business Cards
- Mini Composition Notebook
- Regular Composition Notebook
- iPad
- iPad charger
- iPad cable
Contents:
I also wore my Fleece 5.0 ScotteVest (sans sleeves). This thing is incredible in its own right. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. 24 pockets!! Mine routinely contains:
- Blue pen
- Mechanical Pencil
- Notepad (3×5 spiral)
- Bluetooth headset
- iPhone earbuds
- Fingernail clippers
- 1/8" stereo headphone splitter
- iPhone in-ear headphones
And for this trip it has 4-5 napkins just in case.
All of that stuff. In 1, well-designed, well-packed and completely manageable bag and one incredibly-designed vest.
As I look back on this after having typed it, I realize that I can never ever make fun of purse-carrying women again!! All totaled, that’s about 70 different things, if I don’t get stupid and count each playing card individually.
Am I a hoarder? Or am I just (overly) prepared?
Hoarder.