Most of my travels are short stays, and I’m able to get away with carry-on-size luggage. Honestly, what kind of luggage I bring is determined by what shoes I want to wear! My shoe size is 13, so you can imagine the space my boats take up. With that said, it’s important to me to keep a minimal approach to what I pack for a trip. For context, I’m a techie, photographer/videographer, and entrepreneur. I struggle between being minimal and prepared. So this post is a way for me to share how I try to pack for trips.
Being the creative person I am, I always like having at least a camera and laptop. Depending on the trip determines what kind of camera gear I am bringing. For example, on the UK trip I took at the beginning of this year, I ended up making more of a photo capture trip than I did with hybrid shooting photos and videos. I could have carried less with me because I used the Leica Q2 the whole time. An everyday backpack would suffice for said needs. However, if I am vlogging or capturing b-roll, I plan for a video setup that requires a bit larger footprint. This means I am bringing a dedicated camera bag to hold my cameras, lenses, mics, and laptop. Level8 offers some great products for a good price.
What the video
What kind of backpack matters?
For years I have been using the Peak Design Every Day Backpack. It’s served me well and I still love the bag! However, I am always up for trying new things. Level8’s Atlas backpack has some differences that has caused me to switch to using it as my new daily backpack. The first notable feature that I appreciate is the breathable and comfortable design on the back. I live in a very hot and humid climate! Ever be in a hot area wearing a backpack, then your back feel sweaty? Yeah, that doesn’t feel good…at all. Other standout features I like include:
- Fastens to luggage handle securely.
- Plenty of pockets that make sense.
- Water-repellent material.
- I can fit all my essentials in the bag; even though it’s heavy, it’s not uncomfortable.
- Durable materials.
As I was putting this post together, it occurred to me how much money I have invested in what I carry with me daily.
- MacBook Pro
- Apple AirPods Max
- Apple AirPods Pro
- Leica Q2
- SSDs…
That said, having a protective backpack that keeps my valuables safe is super important!
What kind of carry-on matters?
It wasn’t until recently that I fell in love with using packing cubes. I know it’s nothing new, but it’s still worth noting. For context, I have a minimal wardrobe, which means I have the same shirt, pants, socks, and underwear. As you can imagine, it’s worth keeping clean and dirty laundry separate. It’s also great to be able to get right to an item without diffing and sifting through other items.
For this post, I’m not spending a ton of time on the items outside of the tech-related stuff. It’s a given that when traveling, you’ll want space for clothes, toiletries, and other necessities. Back to my point about shoes though…my strategy is to wear my biggest pair of shoes and pack the shoes that compact best in my luggage. Again, I like to be minimal but be prepared.
I have tested a couple of styles of carry-on-size luggage: hard and soft shells. Level8 provides a few options; the features attached to each will determine how to pack. The things I consider with carry-on luggage.
- Which bag I am placing overhead and under the seat
- Ease of access to my tech items
- If I have to check a bag, which bag will survive the airport jungle
- Footrest
Typically, on an airplane, I am not using my laptop. If anything, I will use an iPad Pro. On the most recent trips, I have not used a big device at all during the flight. I’m simply using my phone and Airpods or the flight’s entertainment options. However, in the terminals waiting for flights, I tend to bring out the laptop to catch up on emails or do light editing.
I’m a TSA PreCheck user, so I normally don’t have to worry about getting out my laptop or iPad at the security checkpoint. However, if I do need to pull out those items, the Road Runner is perfect for that situation. A dedicated sleeve/pocket holds my large 16-inch MacBook Pro with a leather case attached. If you don’t have a backpack or want to have easy access to laptops apart from a backpack, the Road Runner is a great choice.
The Gibraltar is the highest-quality carry-on luggage I have ever owned. It’s a style I have always wanted to have while traveling. Hear me out. Have you ever been concerned about having a carry-on bag with you but then come upon a situation where you have to check the bag, but you have valuables inside that you don’t want to be jerked around? The Gibraltar gives me that peace of mind if I do have to check a bag, knowing that it’s going to keep my belongings safe. The hard case is made of aluminum, has reinforced edges and corners, and is easy to move around. It also comes with packing cubes to help organize whatever is inside. I absolutely LOVE this design!
Both pieces of luggage include:
- Lifetime warranty
- Quiet wheels
- TSA approved locks
- Weather resistance
- Protective shells
Bottom Line
You can’t go wrong with either the Road Runner or Gibraltar cases. They both are high-quality cases that will serve you well. It all depends on what kind of access to your electronics you want. The Gibraltar comes with cubes, but you can always get a set of cubes for the Road Runner, too. I always like to have a backpack with which to travel because I can be on my own most of the time.
Which style of carry do you like the most? Any travel tips for packing? What kind of tech do you travel with?
