Minimalism led me to simplify my possessions. I strive to use items that enable me to have an a healthy, impactful life, while minimizing friction. The following is a complete list of everything I own. Making this list was inspired by zenhabit’s one bag lifestyle and Tynan’s Gear posts. Related: items shared by our family and my travel packing list. Please do not allow your possessions to become the basis of your sense of value, security or well being.
Change for 2023: improved sun protection, a few purchases for walking the Camino, putting more items into storage as we are semi-nomadic as we search for where “home base” will be for the next season of life. I made some updates in February.
Items in bold are exceptionally great. I happily use items marked with “*” but I would not automatically replace them. If I was a “true minimalist” I would get rid of them. The (year) is when the item became a standard part of my life, /year indicates when I re-purchased.
On My Person
Flexon Frames (1995/2020) typically with high index progressive lens (1995/2023). Eyeglasses are an incredible blessing. I used to break frames within a year until I tried Flexon frames in 1995. They have lasted an average of 8 years with lens being changed each year. This year I got Transitions XtrActive Polarized lens that go from clear and unpolarized to 90% light blockage which is polarized. They are amazing. Over the last 45 years I have repeatedly tried Photogray and then Transition lens, been disappointed, followed by many years of clear lens until they made another advancement. Finally transitions that works well!
N95/KT94 Masks (2021/2023) I like the BOTN KT94 and the classic 3M N95 but they are sometimes hard to acquire. For other good options see Masknerd reviews. KT94/N95/etc properly worn provide significant more protection than cloth or the basic surgical masks.
Victorinox Swiss Army Rambler (1999/2015) is the smallest, usable tool I have found with a blade, phillips head & flat screwdriver, scissors, bottle opener, and nail file. There are variants with a small pen or LED which replace toothpick/tweezer. I am on my 3rd Rambler after losing a couple. It’s used several times each day. When flying I bring a Swiss+Tech Utili-Key (2002/2022) which has made it through TSA checkpoints over 100 times without being confiscated, but isn’t as usable as a Rambler pocket knife. On second Utili-Key after I misplaced the first. I have some notes about other knives.
Flowfold Minimalist Wallet (2012) which holds my IDs, 1 credit card, 1 debit card, a few bills, while taking up minimal space. Might add a Chipolo Card next time I am in the USA.
Uniball Vision Elite .5mm Pen (2015/2023) Writing feel approaching Pilot V5 and doesn’t leak after plane flights!
Apple iPhone 12 Mini (2020) on T-Mobile. I am tempted by Android’s superior speech recognition, notifications, and open platform, but the rest of my family is in the Apple eco-system. I wish the mini was a bit smaller because my thumb can’t reach the upper right corner. Can someone please make a phone the size of the original SE with a 4″ high resolution screen? How about it Unihertz? I switched from Verizon which has great coverage in the US but crazy pricing for international travel to T-Mobile which has great pricing if you are doing a fair bit of international travel, but mediocre coverage in USA. While convienent, I am sometimes tempted to use a local SIM because more that 5gb of data is cheaper, tends to be faster, and it seems T-Mobile partners with the the second place carrier in many markets whose coverage isn’t as good the top carrier. I would also consider whatever carrier supports satellite coverage at a reasonable cost. Airalo and Gigsky make it easy to acquire an eSIM for wireless data while traveling internationally but I haven’t need this since switching to T-Mobile.
Apple AirPod Pros (2021) are nicely integrated with the Apple eco-system and just work. Bluetooth connects quickly and reliably and switches between my phone and laptop mostly automatically. Noise reduction is “ok”, and the “ambient mode” provides adequate situational awareness. I have written about other headphones. The v2 volume control and “skip forward/reverse” are tempting, but not enough to justify replacing functioning AirPods.
Garmin 955 Watch (2022) accurately tracks my activities and measures my fitness level. Has decent integration with smartphones and notifies me when I have left the paired phone behind. I find the data I get from Garmin to be higher quality than most other wrist worn sensors I have tried, being close to medical grade instruments when paired with a HRM and a power meter. There are other good sport watches. Much better battery life than iWatch and physical buttons which work with sweaty fingers. This was a gift from Jackie to replace a Garmin 935 whose battery after 5 years had degraded the point that I couldn’t use the GPS for a full day without charging. The 935 replaced a five year old 910 whose battery could make it through a marathon.
Daily Life
MacBook 12″ from 2017 – picture is a 14″ MBP (2023) I purchased the 12″ MacBook used with a replaced battery. It’s the last ultra portable Apple made. It can feel sluggish, but thanks to 16gb of memory the a dual core cpu is generally adequate for the job. I wanted a device which was less than 2lb, decent keyboard, and would let me complete the tasks I do daily with a minimum amount of friction. In the past I have tried many a number of options. Tiny PCs like the GPD Pocket 3 have keyboard and screens which are too small. Tablets with keyboards have too much friction when I switch between windows/apps while integrating information. Chromebook was ok, but none are lighter than a the MacBook and don’t have as rich a set of applications. There are some amazingly light x86 laptops such as the 1.4lb Fujitsu Lifebook UH-X and the very functional Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano which would give me a much more performant laptop than a 2017 MacBook, but several of my apps aren’t available under Linux (Lightroom Classic & Bear), and I don’t like Windows due to the fragility / pain of patching and upgrading the OS. In the past running a hackintosh was too fragile, but maybe running Linux with macOS in a VM is worth a try. For now Jackie and I are using a slow, 6 year old laptop, and are content. My 14″ MBP (2022) has been left running in a safe location and accessed remotely via Tailscale when I need more computational power or pull data into my archives.
Zojirushi Double Walled Mug (2013/2017) can easily be used one handed, locks, pours at the perfect speed, the mouth is wide enough for ice cubes, and insulating better than every other mug I have tested. When air temp is ~80F and the mug is exposed to the sun, 6 small ice cubes in cool water have just finished melting in around 3 hours – water temp is 35F, in 68F conditions ice lasts most of the day. I have a Deep Cherry color mug which I picked up after misplacing my silver mug at work. The striking color make it easy to spot when searching for it. In many countries you you can fill mug with ice (no water) and get through airport security. Once through, add water and you can have icy cold water for your flight.
6 Foot Tape Measure (2023) I often need to measure something. Replaced a fabric tape measure that broke.
Newvanga Sleep Mask (2021) helps me get longer / better sleep because it stops external light from disturbing me. More durable that the Bucky I used to use.
Nicore NU25 headlamp (2019) Very light-weight, especially when the headband is replaced with shock cords. Decent regulation on medium and low settings, electronic lock so it doesn’t turn on accidentally. Use when I need hands free light: repairs, backpacking, running in the dark, and it has been used when I forgot to recharge my bike light. Can be powered from a remote USB power bank making it useful in extreme cold. The NU25 was updated in 2022 with a better battery indicator, UI, charges via USB-C, and the ability to select flood and/or spotlight. There are many other good flashlights.
Panasonic LX100 II Camera (2023) Gives me control which I couldn’t find with photo apps on my phone and I don’t have to fight with my phone’s “unlock” to take a picture. Has a one generation back micro 4/3s sensor which works better in low light than 1″ sensors like the Sony RX100 or the even smaller sensors in phones. Reasonably compact weighting in at around 400grams. Viewfinder so it can be easily used in bright light. A decent quality small zoom lens. Analog controls which remind me of classic rangefinders. Used primarily for street and portrait photography, particularly in challenging light conditions often using a fill flash which cell phones still haven’t mastered. I found that the camera on modern cell phones are just as good for day time landscapes. Pictures of wildlife need a much longer lens, say 300-600mm 35mm equivalent. Notes about cameras / photography.
Etymotic HF3 (2023). Great sound isolation, Apple friendly volume stop/start button, and mic. Provides me with around 40db of noise reduction which is better than any consumer grade active noise cancelling headphones I have tried. I have an iPhone adapter and the an adapt to work in airplanes with double jacks. I thought the double jacks would be phased out, but this year I flew on some new 777 which still had these plugs?! Retired my Westone 5ES IEM which no longer seals well enough to significantly reduce external noise.
“Tech Kit” items are stored in a small litesmith zipza pouch – picture is a muji pouch (2023)
- Nitecore 10000 Gen2 (2023) power bank with USB-A&C out. Lightest and most compact 10k battery I have found. Replaced a RAVpower 10K to save weight and to fit better in my pocket. Enough current to charge my MacBook or power the MacBook while charging my iPhone. Supports pass through charging so I can charge this battery while my MacBook is plugged into the charger.
- Anker 523 (2023) Dual USB-C, 47w. Can charge my MacBook at near maximum speed when it’s the only device plugged in. Over night can charge Nitecore 10k battery feeding a MacBook when plugged into the (27w) jack, while fully charging my iPhone. My wife needed the more power so gave her my Sharge 3-power USB charger (2020) which is very similar to the Anker 735. The 523 is a bit lighter / shorter so it is less likely to slip out of lose outlets.
- Cables: Apple 4ft USB-C to Lightning, Generic 4ft and 2 6″ USB-C cables
- Adaptor tips from USB-C to (A, micro, Lighting, Garmin), and USB-C to A converter.
Garmin HRM-Pro not shown (2021) get higher accuracy during interval training than built in optical sensor on smart watches and works when swimming. Can record data without the watch being connected, but I don’t generally use that feature. Also provings running power which has been somewhat useful. Supports ANT+ and Bluetooth.
Bags & Travel Accessories
Gossamer Gear Vagabond (2022) 23L day pack which is light weight, comfortable to carry, not too unwieldy for EDC and large enough to hold my normal packing list. At 46x27x15cm (18/10.75/5.75inches) small enough to squish into every “personal item” sizer I have encountered and under the seat in front of me on every commercial jet I have traveled in. It is small enough to be accepted as carry on by virtually every airline. Tom Bihn 1″ padded waist strap allows a reasonable amount of weight transfer for me. I have a list of other traveling packs that could be a good alternative.
Osprey Ultralight Drysack (2021) Used as a liner to protect against rain, can be used to wash clothing on trips if I am sharing a bathroom and can’t soak my clothing in the sink, and as a “clothing packing cube”. Sometimes used to separate dirty from clean clothing.
Tom Bihn Passport Pouch (2022) Small pouch which is large enough to hold my passport, phone and everything that might be in my pockets when passing through security checkpoints. In high crime cities I wear it under my shirt. Often lives in my pack holding documents and cards I am not actively using. In Costa Rica swapped with a NiteIze RunOff Waterproof Pocket (2023) and attached a strap so it can be worn around my waist. Holds my passport and cell phone when going in and out of water. Worn under the clothing in high risk areas as security pouch.
PackTowel Ultralight Body Size (2009) Dries in less than 3 hours after I shower when hanging indoors, faster in sun, is compact, weights just 3oz. Large enough that I can wrap it around my waist like a small sarong. I found the face size sufficient for me to dry my body, but I am willing to carry a larger towel for the added versatility and ease of use. There are other travel towels.
Micro International power adapter (2018) Compact while fitting every standard outlet type in the world. I have read that the Mogics Adapter MA1 is a good alternative. Most of this year a classic EU adapter would be smaller and lighter, but we are visiting the UK.
Sea to Summit Clothing Line (2022) Purchased for use on the Camino. Has beads to tighten around clothing which removes the need for clothing pins. I prefer my old rubber cloth line but it’s worked ok so far.
Hostel sleep system: 48″ x 60″ piece of Polartec Alpha Direct, 120gsm (2022) compressible warm blanket which is a $20 piece of bulk fabric, MLD Bag Liner (2023) 3oz 10D nylon sleep sack, in a Sea2Summit 2.5L Ultra-Sil Stuff Sack (2022). For stays in basic hostels and alberques that don’t provide bedding of any sort. Comfortable for sleeping down to 55F when wearing Nitro Hoody which is needed to cover upper body since the blanket is a bit short. The sack is snug but not too tight, keeping the blanket well positioned.
Bathroom
REI Micro Shower Bag (2017) is the perfect size for my toiletry kit and make it easy for me to find everything quickly. Inside pocket holds a few doses of nyquil and benadryl. Main area has: lip balm, toothpaste, a micro fiber cleaning / storage bag for my glasses, a small HumanGear GoTubb to store aleve, and the bathroom items listed below. Outside pocket holds first aid kit which includes band-aids, single use benzoin tincture, compeed blister pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, superglue, a couple of safety pins. This bag is discontinued… the GOX Organizer looks to be similar.
Matador Flatpack Soap Case (2020) to carry a 100senses body bar which takes care of all my cleaning needs without drying out my sensitive skin or making my hair feel like straw. One bar lasts around six months. There are better shaving creams and detergents to wash clothing, but it’s been good enough and simplifies life for me.
Gillette Power Mach-3 Razor (1999) and blades (1999/2021) Using as a manual handle since vibration stopped working. Use around 11 blades / year.
PaRaDa Nail clipper (2014) are large and heavy but effective and the trimmings catcher is brilliant. Will likely replace someday wit something lighter and more compact.
Retractable Bristle Hairbrush (1994) Compact and more effective than a comb for me.
Reach (rebranded Listerine Woven / Ultraclean) Floss (1996/2022) is the most effective dental floss I have used. Gentle to the gums while still getting plague and food wedged between teeth out. I believe it has been discontinued but still possible to find stock. My dentist has recommended coco floss as a good replacement though it’s more than twice as expensive.
Oral-B/Braun 6000 Electric toothbrush (2016) and USB powered charger. A recent meta analysis concluded that the rotational approach of Oral-B is likely superior to approach of Sonicare, but both are significantly more effective than manual brushing and the electric toothbrushes like my Violife which relies on a brushing motion. In Feb I decide that good oral hygiene is important enough to carry the Oral-B on all but the most minimal trips. My Violife slim sonic toothbrush (was thinking about some other options but replace heads are back) is going into storage.
Core Clothing
I have notes about selecting clothing for an active life which goes in detail about how I select clothing for a wide range of activities and conditions. These are the clothing I take on almost all trips and use in my daily life at home. Some people achieve simplicity by having many pairs of the same clothing item which the rotate through. My approach is to have at most three, and run small loads of wash when they get dirty. Several years ago I started to keep a log tracking each item’s longevity.
Western Rise Unlimited Button Down (2022) Blue Merino / Polyester blend button down shirt. My wife tells me it also looks like it was just ironed as it comes out of the my pack. Reported to be UPF 40. Fairly air permeable, resists odor, comfortable in a wide range of conditions. Might swap with the Solbari Weekend Shirt due to it’s higher UPF and comfort in hot weather.
Icebreaker Anatomica Tee-shirt (2014/2021) merino wool with a bit of nylon for durability and a bit of lycra for a body hugging fit. This tee-shirt fits me perfectly, is super comfortable, doesn’t smell after many days of wear, dries fairly quickly, and my wife likes how the shirt looks on me. UPF between 15-30? I love merino, but synthetics technical-tees superior in three ways. First, synthetics work better when I am heavily sweating [See Xenith shirt mentioned below]. Second, synthetics dry more quickly because they absorb less water. Third, synthetics are more cost effective because they tend to be cheaper and longer lasting. I get around 500 days of wear before an Anatomica Tee looks tired, and 600 days before the first small holes appear which is 2-3x longer than 100% merino in the the same fabric weight. There are a number of other good merino wool tee shirts from Smartwool, Outlier, Wool&Prince, and several other companies.
Xenith Delta Shirt (2021/2022) is the most comfortable shirt I have worn when sweating heavily. The shirt maintains air permeability and doesn’t stick when wet. The shirt dries at the perfect rate: faster than wool or cotton, but slower than classic “fast dry” shirts, and feels cool against the skin. I have also found that is it the most odor resistant synthetic shirt I have tried, though not as good as wool. UPF 30. I could exercise in Icebreaker Tee, but I like to change into clean dry shirt once I finish exercising. My first shirt has holes after around 1500 hours of exercise. If day to day wear-and-tear is similar, I would only get 90 days of all day wear :(. Hopefully my second shirt will last longer. Likely going to be dropped from my core clothing, the Anatomica has been working well enough and I am wearing a long sleeve most days for summer protection.
REI Swiftline Running Shorts Shorts (2022) are very light shorts which dry quickly and pack down into a tiny space. Great for running, working out in the gym, and great as sleep wear when in a shared dormitory. They can be used for swimming in a pinch. I am using them as an experiment, leaving my Tri shorts packed away. Over the years I acquire light running shorts, barely use them, give them away, and the re-acquire a couple of years later when I thought they would be useful. If I decide these aren’t so useful this time around, I should decide once and for all that I am done with light gym shorts / make sure I never purchase another pair, or keep them in storage for the next time I think they would be useful so I at least don’t have to buy them again.
Outlier New Way Shorts (2014) are nice looking shorts which fit me perfectly, are durable, and resist stains. The first place I have noticed wear is mesh to drain the pockets develop holes. They can function as a swim suit but aren’t ideal for that use because they take a fair bit of time to dry. They are pricy but at the time that I purchased them, I hadn’t found any shorts I like as much. I have heard good things about Rip Curl’s Boardwalk Global Entry but haven’t tried them. If they dry significantly faster than my NWS, I might make a swap.
Western Rise Evolution V.1 Pants (2020/2022) Slightly stretchy nylon pants that are a cross between jeans and chinos. The most comfortable pants I have found in hot weather that have a “business casual” look. I found their fit to be “snug” fitting rather than the nearly tailored fit of the Outlier Slim Dungarees. Version 2 of Evolution are a bit more tight fitting and stretch more. After around 300 days of wear they are a stretched and the color fades slight but otherwise are still in reasonable shape. The coin pocket is too deep and I don’t need the zippered back pocket. While I love my first pair of these pants, I am not as happy with later pairs. Sizing is not consistent, customer service is poor, and others have reported issues with stitching. Bluffworks, Maker&Rider, Outlier, and Wool&Prince makes nicer alternatives. Classic hiking pants like prAna Brion aren’t as refined looking but are cheaper. There are a number of good pants. I have experimenting with having just a single pair of long pants. It’s worked reasonably well since they dry over night after I wash them. There have been a few times these pants got completely soaked in the rain because I didn’t have my rain pants and I didn’t have a second pair of pants. I survival but it was uncomfortable. I have been tempted to bring a very light pair of jogging pants but have resisted the urge.
Icebreaker Anatomica Briefs (2014/2021) the most comfortable underwear I have worn. They dry quickly and resist odor. I get around 600 days of wear before the waist band deforms and small holes appear. Tommy John’s Air Briefs (2022) based on after several recommendations. So far I am really likely them. They really are wedgy-proof. In the past I found the synthetic briefs from Ex Offico were pretty good. I have heard Uniqo Airism are good and reasonably priced but haven’t tried them myself. I hear people rave about and the expensive underwear from Saxx but the pair and didn’t find them particularly special.
Xoskin Toe Socks – 2 pairs (2022) prevents blisters forming between my toes when walking or running for extended distances. I have worn one pair 30 days in a row doing 10-20 miles of hiking each day without blisters and had pre blisters that were forming before I started using the socks heal. They weren’t stinky after six days of continuous use while backpacking. They are significantly more durable than my previous merino toe socks. After 640 miles my first pair of socks got a hole from a toenail. I darned the sock and continue to wear it. Small holes between my hammer toes at 700 miles but not impacting performance. Have over 1000 miles on the first pair and they are still doing well.
Luna Oso Flaco Sandals (2022) I can walk 15 miles / day for a week on hard surfaces and my feet are still feel good. Has decent ground feel and pack very compactly. Good traction on trails. The wings are must more convenient that the “traditional” lacing, but I find they irritate the side of my foot when I run without socks. The sandals can make a slap sound when walking on concrete which the Venado don’t make. When possible I live in these sandals. Purchase because Venado are nearing end of there life and wanted more traction for walking the Camino.
Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 (2022) Zero drop trail running shoe that is a good amount of cushion and a 12mm stack. Great fit for me: enough room for my toes to splay while gripping my heel perfectly. Used for backpacking or trail running when the terrain is too technical for my Luna sandals or when I need to wear closed toe shoes. This model used to be called the TerraUltra G 270. I don’t have enough miles to determine if the graphene infused soles are any more durable than typical trail runners. So far they have bee views as acceptable footwear in fairly snobbish establishments. I typically wear them whenever I am in transit because they are a bulky compared to my sandals. Might swap with Softstar Dash RunAmoc shoes to save space / weight.
Outerwear
The following clothing allows me to be comfortable at all actively levels when the temperature is 25F or warmer, and colder if I am engaged in high aerobic activities like running or cross country skiing.
Montbell Peak Dry Shell (2021) made from Shakedry. I can actually wear it and not be soaked by sweat when active! I can do a zone 2 run for two hours in 48F rain with just 1 gram of water accumulating in my running shirt. Completely waterproof, doesn’t wet out. Works well as a wind shell. Alas Shakedry is somewhat fragile and is being discontinued… hope something equally performant comes out soon. In the mean time I have picked up a few Shakedry jackets for when my Peak Dry wears out. This jacket pulled from my “stash” when my GoreWear R7 Shakedry’s zipper failed. The Montbell is heavier, but has a bit more room for insulation under it, a better hood, and a lot less “branding” logos. Other options are discussed in my post about rain gear.
Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants (2018) are simple, light, breathable, waterproof rain pants. Used when in cool rain commuting by bike, hiking, or backpacking. I have been known to wear them while doing the laundry. After a few years of light use I am getting some minor leaking in the seat, and the bottom cuffs are worn. When they are completely worn out will likely replace with something more durable fabric like GoreTex Pro.
Macpac Nitro Pullover (2021) Made from Polartec Alpha Direct (90gsm). Highly breathable and dries super fast. Very light insulate without a shell, surprisingly warm under a shell. Great when active in cold conditions. I can feel air flow at walking speed in still air. Worn whenever my shirt isn’t warm enough. I am comfortable sitting in 68F wearing the Nitro and a tee-shirt, but when I pull up the hood and layer on a shell I am comfortable down to 40F doing light work (walking <2mph). There are lots of good options for an insulation layer.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Vest (2021) Incredibly light weight vest which provides moderate insulation for my core. I have the Japanese version which has pockets. With a long sleeve shirt and shell I am comfortable down to around 40F. When combined with a tee-shirt, Macpac Nitro, and GoreWear R7 Shell allows me to be comfortable while walking do to 25F. Combined with Nitro and Micro Puff keeps me warm enough in any winter conditions I am likely to encounter in the next few years. Less than perfect for me: cut is a bit too boxy the neck doesn’t seal well.
Montbell Unbrero (2021) is a 1.8oz folding hat which fully shades my face, ears, and neck. It’s fully waterproof but still provides the best ventilation of any hat I have used. It deforms but usable in 20mph winds. Montbell says the hat doesn’t provide UV protection which I fixed by applying UV absorbing paint on the inside. I think it’s silly looking but have received compliments for the way it looks?! There are lots of good hat options.
PolarBuff (2003) Generally I use the hoods on my garments, but sometimes I want extra insulation for my neck or head.
Enlightened Gear Visp Rain Mittens – not shown (2022) Super minimalist rain protection from hands. Keeps my hand comfortable from a bit below freezing to around 50F when engaged in modest activity up to zone 2 workout.
Extra Clothing
There are some clothing that I am generally not using, but I occasionally decide to take on the next leg of our travel. They are in a backpack that lives in the trunk of our car for easy access.
Tom Bihn Smart Alec – not shown (2022) durable top loading day pack. Stands up by itself and is easily accessible through the top zippered opening without spilling. Large enough to carry two folding chairs and food for a picnic. Functions as my office storage. In this season of life is left in the trunk of our car holds whatever items I am not taking when I fly to a destination.
Outlier Slim Dungarees (2014/2019) High-tech nylon pants in the style of jeans. Gives me an almost tailored fit, looks good, excellent mobility. Thanks to the NanoSphere treatment very stain and water resistant. They are perfect when it’s <75F and I am inactive, <55F when very active. When active in >70F the seam that runs along the inner thighs chafes. In cooler weather prefer them to my Western Rise Evolutions Pants, but am using the Evolutions as my primary pants because they work in warmer conditions SD seem pricey, but the per day cost is the same as denim jeans. Over time the pants stretch out a bit especially around the knees which make them a bit less slim fitting. I get more than 550 days of use there is any wear I notices: light pilling at the top of the pocket I use the most. I have yet to completely wear out a pair though I have retired a couple of pairs after a pen leak created a large stain. This is why I no longer use Pilot V5 pens. This pair acquired in 2017.
Extra Western Rise Evolution Pants, Icebreaker Tee Shirt & Underwear which enables me to go for a week between doing the wash. If I am going to be staying in one location for an extended time I will bring these along so I can do away with handwashing my clothing. I have found washing machine clean clothing more effectively than when I hand wash.
Arcteryx Cormac Zip Neck Shirt* – not shown (2022) A casual UPF 50 shirt. Slightly calendared which I find reasonably comfortable when I am hot and sweaty. Resists odor for around 2 day of normal activities, 1 day of vigorous activity. Used when need full sun protection and the Solbari is too formal. Likely going to move into storage later this year.
Solbari Weekend Shirt (2022) White button up which is UPF50+, resistants odor for a couple of days when moderately active, dries quickly, and under a sport jacket can be mistaken for a more formal dress shirt. In cooler weather blocks a bit of wind, surprisingly comfortable in hot weather. Downside is that it seems to be a dirt magnet. I could do without the straps to secure rolled up sleeves. Use it when I am going to be outdoors all day when UV index is >8.
Bluffworks Hopsack Blazer (2022) Blazer which doesn’t wrinkle, can be washed in a machine, and is light enough to wear in hot weather. Took on several trip but used very rarely and was never required. Current dressing standards make it mostly unnecessary. Likely moved into storage later this year.
Darn Tough Socks – 2 pair (2013/2019) are unsurprisingly durable since they come with a lifetime warranty. Icebreaker and the Smartwool PhD line are good alternatives. Worn out and replaced 2 pair of the no show light socks last 12+ years after >4000 miles of use for each pair. None of my light crew have been worn through. Likely moved into storage later this year.
Vivobarefoot Gobi II (2017/2022) are comfort, zero-drop, minimalist ankle boots which look good with casual clothing or dressed up with a blazer. I have used them around town, hiking in the backcountry and even run in them. Sending my original pair to be resoled after walking more than 1500 miles. With an occasional brush and polishing the uppers still look good after repeatedly soaked in rain storms, covered in mud, etc. They are generally not needed given current “dressing standards”. Likely going into storage later this year.
Softstar Dash Run Amoc – not shown (2015/2023) are the most minimalist leather shoes I have found. Just 13oz, 5mm vibram sole. My wife says they reminder her of a ballet slipper. I think the Tadeevo Derby shoes might have been a better option, but didn’t discover them until after I had the Dash Run Amoc.
Nike Dri-Fit Visor – not shown (2012) keep sweat and sun out of my eyes while maximizing air circulation for my head. Left behind when doing onebag travel.
Household Items
The following are used whenever they can be easily transported to where we are staying for >2 weeks. If we are flying to a destination, they live in the trunk of our car. Also have some things for the kitchen which are discussed in my nomad post.
Withering Body WiFi Scale (2014) makes it easy to track weight which is well integrated to Garmin, Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, LoseIt, and numerous other health tracking eco-systems. Body composition numbers not accurate. Having trouble getting it to switch WiFi networks.
ChiliPad (2019) which cools or warms water which flows through a mattress topper. I need to be significantly colder than Jackie to sleep soundly. I had problems with the heat exchanger isn’t able to dump enough heat in the summer to hit the cooling target when the unit was under the bed, but it has been fine when sitting out. We tried an eightsleep system which much quieter but not worth the added cost to us. I didn’t find the automatic temperature adjustment of the eight sleep particularly helpful and the sleep tracking wasn’t significantly better than my Garmin watch.
Pulse Flex Wireless Speaker (2017 & 2022) allows us to have synchronized whole house music and plays nicely with other BlueSound products. We have the original Flex speaker and the updated Flex 2i. It also supports inputs via USB, Bluetooth, AUX, a number of streaming services like Spotify, and many free sites via URIs. Has a iOS and Android remote control app which works but has a somewhat awkward UI. Controls on the top let you select one of 5 user-defined “channels” without using the remote. I have the optional battery pack so it can be used in our backyard. It can be used away from its home, but you have to reconfigure its WiFi settings which is a pain. Sound quality is significantly less than KEF LS50 but better than most portable speakers. When using them away from home primarily play lossless music which is stored on a thumb drive plugged into the back of the speaker. For people who aren’t using Roon, I would recommend Sonos: for its lower price point, better streaming options, and slightly more processed sound quality which everyone but audio purists like me typically prefer. Even cheaper are products from Audio Pro.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (2006/2021) Holds the family’s data “archive”. All our pictures, videos, ripped CDs, digitized books, and documents. There are better performing laptops for the money, but the touch pad is more usable than most laptops and OS X provides high quality commercial applications and full UNIX tooling. I have made it through many OS upgrades without problems and have never had to wipe the disk and reinstall the operating system. I select a configuration with enough storage for 2x my documents, music, and photos (which was 4tb at the time of purchase) and the maximum memory available which has allowed me to use the same MacBook Pro for ~5 years before I feel the need for a faster machine and/or am running out of space. My wife is still happily using my 2012 MacBook Pro. Only downside is size and weight. I hope Apple brings back an ultra-portable someday.
Always Live in Car
I leave some items in car trunk in case we encounter unexpected conditions. I rarely use these items, but have often loaned them out to friends who weren’t prepared for the weather we encountered.
Linen Towel* (2020) Lighter weight, dries faster, and less likely to get smelly than a traditional cotton terrycloth towel, but isn’t as soft.
Tilley LTM6 Hat* (2014) durable hat that provides good sun protection. I prefer the LTM8 which has more ventilation. Replaced a 20 year old canvas Tilley that was lost on a river trip.
ArcTeryx Squamish Wind Shell (2012) is a 5oz windshirt with an air permeability of ~30 CFM. When combined with a heavy base or light middle layer provide comfort over a huge range of conditions. Comfortable against the skin. Current Squamish isn’t as air permeable. Best replacement is likely the Mountain Hardware Kor.
Icebreaker Quattro Hoody* (2012) is a medium weight merino wool sweatshirt. After several years of near constant use starting to pill so has been “retired” to the car.
Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody (2020) Keeps me comfortable ~25F lower than I would be without the jacket. Provides just the right insulation for me for winter nights in the SF Bay Area and shoulder season backpacking in the sierras. Combined with down vest or Nitro Hoody it’s just right for winter trips in the sierras. Reasonably light and compressible. Long enough to cover my blazer.
Items which will stored in our garage as we travel
Backpacking / Hiking / “Real” Winter Gear
I have a 3-season packing list which makes use of a number of the items on this list and has several items which are specific for backpacking. I have not taken pictures of any of these items. The “winter gear” is not used “at home” because the Bay Area never gets cold enough to need these items, but they are pulled out when traveling to winter destinations. These are stored in a old Coke crate in the garage.
Gossamer Gear Gorilla (2012) An older version of the Gorilla which I use when doing multi-night backcountry trips or urban travel when I am carrying more weight / volume than appropriate for the Vagabond. Its weights just 28oz, comfortable carries up to 25lbs for tens of miles in a day, has survived thousands of miles, and works as a carry-on bag. My size L is actually 23″ long, but has been able to fit in airline sizers and overhead luggage bottom in first if not overpacked and placed at an angle. Sidenote: The first generations of the Gorilla carried pretty well, the current generation connects the frame directly into the hip belt which has been stiffened compared to the first generation improving it’s carry characteristics.
Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable (2021) 23L pack which is comfortable to carry and easily packs away in my larger bag. Used for done in a day outdoor activities, as a EDC / grocery shopping bag, and has been used as my primary luggage on trips that don’t require the dress clothing and/or backcountry camping.
Patagonia Cap 3 Tights (2007): added to my legs when facing continuously below freezing conditions.
Mountain Hardware Grub Gloves (2015/2020) medium weight PowerStretch gloves with a quilted mitten cover which folds away into the back of the glove making it comfortable to wear in a wide variety of conditions. My second pair almost worn out. Alas, this model has been discontinued.
Outdoor Research Meteor Mitts* (2004): which have a removable 300wt fleece inner mitt which folds back to let you use your fingers and a durable, waterproof shell. Can use the shells without liner when it’s warmer. The magnets on the inner mitt detract from overall comfort. Many people replace the liners. Dries faster than all-in-one handwear.
Traction Devices* (2020): Gives trail runners and other shoes grip on snow and ice. Picked up when we were facing icy trails in Grand Canyon. Don’t remember the brand and it’s not stamped into the chains.
OR Gaiters: (<1988) for keeping snow out of shoes/boots and the lower legs dry.
Bicycling Stuff
Specialized S-works 2019 Roubaix (2021) an endurance bike that smooths out the road making it easy to be confident on less than ideal road surfaces with a responsiveness that approaches the Cervelo R-series. A huge improvement from the 2013 version of the Roubaix. Fitted with an Infinity Seat (weird looking but the most comfortable seat I have used), 2 water bottle cages, and a small seat bag which holds a pump, inter-tube, bike tool, and 2 tire levers. A charger for DI2 which is powered via a micro USB cable gets used every month or so.
Felix BC21R Bike Headlamp and Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150 (2019) The BC21R uses a removable 18650 rechargeable battery.
Power Tap P1 Pedals (2015) because I like objective measures. No longer made. The Garmin Vector 2 pedals use standard Keto cleats, and are lighter.
Bicycle Wear
Bicycling Shoes (2013) with cleats for PowerTap peddles.
De Soto Mobius Tri Shorts (2018/2021) works well cycling, running, and swimming. They are comfortable for all the activities I engage in when the temperature is above freezing. They have reduced issues with chafing, dry fairly quickly, and are reasonably comfortable when wet. They have side pockets large enough to hold some nutrition and my phone so I don’t need to use a special cycling jersey. I never need to think about what to wear for vigorous physical activities…. I just grab a pair of Tri Shorts. I get around 1000 hours of use from each pair before the elastic no longer provides any compression. Never had a pair develop holes.
Black Diamond Alpine Start (2021) is a 6oz hoodless ultralight soft-shell which is very air permeable (30-60 CFM depend on who did the measurement) and extremely water resistant thanks to the Schoeller NanoSphere treatment. Very comfortable in high wind <60F doing normal activities, bicycling at tempo pace (~220watts / ~18mph) when it’s <55F or doing a zone 2 HR runs when it’s <50F. In a light rain find it easier to manage moisture than a Shakedry shell because the higher air permeability helps me dump heat (reducing the amount I sweat) while resisting the rain. Normally I like a hood, but the lack of a hood is useful when cycling and running with a hat. Windshirts are great!
Castelli Light Arm Sleeves (2021) and Leg Sleeves (2022) UPF 50 sun protection I combined with short sleeve shirt and shorts to avoid hassle of sunscreen. When in direct sunlight, limbs actually feel a bit cooler than when uncovered.
Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB Cycling Gloves – not shown (2021) Keep hands comfortable on rides when it is cool and maybe wet. Cheap thanks to a clearance sale at sierra.com
CoolNet UV Buff (2022) Protects my neck and ears from sun and also functions as a headband to keep sweat out of my eyes. A set of magnets made to “pin” race bib to a shirt keeps the buff from riding up and exposing my neck.
Giro Air Attack Shield Helmet (2013/2016) provides protection, good ventilation while having a streamlined aerodynamic profile. Has snap on optical shield. On my second Air Attack helmet due to a crash which broke the helmet but protected my head. If you ride a bicycle, wear a helmet!! I have been able to walk away from at least two accidents thanks to the protection of a helmet. Helmets don’t lead to more injuries due to a false sense of security. These days there are helmets which are more aerodynamic than mine, and also cheaper while providing equivalent protection.
Exercise and Health Devices
These items stay in our in Mountain View home when we travel. When away from home I often join a local gym and/or use body weight exercises.
MX Select MX55 Adjustable Dumbbells (2021) 20-55 lb in 5 lb increments. Smooth and fast to change weights. Considered the Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, but local store told me they were a service problem and stopped carrying them due to mechanism failures.
Pullup Bar* (2020) To work upper body without going to gym.
20lb Rucking Plate* (2020) – Held in a backpack and used to add weight to walks, pull-ups, squats, etc.
Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell* (2020) Useful for several sets from my Simple Six workout. Likely better options out there: max weight is 40lb (I would like it to be 60lb) and there is a 10lb jump between 25-35 lb rather than the 5lb for every other increment.
Cervelo R3* (2013/2015). Pricy but wonderful road bicycle. Replaced with identical bike when my first was stolen. Comfortable enough for an endurance ride, responsive like a race bike, great for climbing. Wore out drive train which has now been mostly replaced… still looking for Rotor chain rings. Now primarily lives on a Kickr for indoor “rides” and is mt “spare bike” and if my Roubaix is out of action.
Wahoo Fitness Kickr (2013) is a trainer for when it’s not convenient to hit the road. Integrated power meter and variable resistance which can be controlled via ANT+ or BlueTooth. Very useful if doing structured training based on power.
Lactate Plus Meter* (2022) for determine zone 2 and zone 5 thresholds to optimize training.
Precision Xtra Ketone and Blood Glucose Meter* (2017) for times I am fasting or engaged in a new diet and want some objective data.
Small combination lock* (2012) for use at the gym. Not using lockers now.
o2Trainer – not shown (2022) Working on improving my breathing. Not used enough to have an opinion.
TYR Corrective Optical Performance Goggles not shown (2012) so that I can actually see when I am swimming.
Beach Clothing and Gear
When we spend extended time near a tropical beach I pull my “beachwear” out of storage.
Bluesmith Spartan Board Shorts* (2016) For days that I am living in swimming suit, going in an out of the water. These shorts dry very quickly. Could use my Tri or New Way Shorts if I was trying to minimize more.
Patagonia R0 Longsleeve Shirt (2022) UPF 50 shirt for water activities. Tight fitting, dries quickly. Jackie approved. Picture has my retired Bluesmith shirt rather than white R0.
Matador Pocket Blanket* (2019) to sit on when at the beach.
Matador Droplet Wet Bag* (2019) which holds items on the way to the beach, and wet items on the way home.
Yeesam Prescription Snorkeling Mask* (2019) which lets me actually see underwater life when snorkeling rather than just blurs and flashes of color.
Akona 2mm Neoprene Socks* – not shown (2019) which protect my feet when using flippers or with Keens if I am on a trip which is constantly going in and out of water.
Sentimental Items
There are a several items I have kept as a specific way to honor people I love or past experiences.
Box which I store these things, my spare glasses, some old documents, etc.
Various buttons collected over the years related to projects or movements that were important to me.
Libby’s pins (<2000) of a nativity scene, a mother and child. Originally worn by Libby on special occasions, they became daily decorations on the hats she wore during chemotherapy during the last months of her life. They remind me of Libby’s courage and the two things most important to Libby, family and Jesus.
Gumby (2011) which was given as a reminder that when life is difficult, we need to be flexible.
Dad’s (<1980) tie tacks and Alox Swiss Army Knife which remind me of his love of the outdoors and his care for his students.
Knit Cap with 23andme logo (2016)
CatBus Plushy (2018) given to me my Jackie. It reminds me of the gentle film My Neighbor Totoro. I wanted a real CatBus, but no one can find one for me 🙂
Computer Wizard’s Tee Shirt (1977) from high school group club… still fits. Not shown: 23andme Tee-Shirt (2016) Hashicorp Cycling Jersey (2021)
Grandpa’s Yamaka (<1980)
“Variety” Clothing
While I normally like to wear my “uniform”, but I sometimes want to wear something a bit different. I know my wife likes variety in my clothing. I sometimes call the following my “Jackie clothing”. While traveling the clothing can be rolled over their hangers and be stored in a $4 Ikea Frakta Duffel (2022) along with my beach items.
Toni Richards Hawaiian Shirt (2019) Everyone needs at least one shirt for “Hawaiian shirt day” though some might argue that white and blue with sharks rather than flowers isn’t very Hawaiian. I find the cotton lawn fabric used by Toni Richards to be one of the most comfortable materials when it’s hot and humid. Alas, UPF is quite low.
Montbell Wickron Dry Touch Short Sleeve Shirt* (2021) for when I need to be more dressed when it’s is hot. The seersucker fabric is more comfortable than many other materials when it’s hot and humid. It resists accumulating odor better than many synthetics shirts I have used. A gift from my wife. Alas, UPF 20.
White Cotton Button-up Shirt* (2012) Was my default when I want to wear something more formal than a tee-shirt. Appropriate in almost any setting. Shirts which have more sun protection and dry more quickly have replaced it.
Peach Button Up Shirt* (2014) for a change from a white shirt when we are going out for the evening. Birthday present.
Muji Black/Grey/White Checked Button Up Shirt* (2013) for something that is casual but a bit more dressed up than my tee-shirt or hoody. Gift from Jackie.
Wool and Prince 210wt Burgundy Oxford Shirt* (2020) Slim fit, classic oxford cloth look while being 100% wool. Christmas present.
Outlier AMB Merino Wool Button Up Shirt (2019) Very comfortable. It doesn’t wrinkle and if I don’t spill food on it can be worn many days without washing. Good air permeability, surprisingly comfortable in warmer conditions.
Banana Republic Purple Merino Wool Sweater (2013) for cool days or when some color is called for. Purple is the color of royalty… so it can function as a Christmas or Easter sweater. Gift from Jackie.
Grey Cashmere V-neck Sweater* (2019) for fall and winter evenings when I need more warmth than just a shirt and my hoody is too casual. Love cashmere but durability is low, it pills very quickly.
Boss Blazer* (2014) for dressy events in the fall and winter that don’t require a formal suit. Christmas present.
Boss Wool Suit – not shown (2012) slim/european cut in super 140 wool. Fits me perfectly though not bespoken. First suit that I wear rather than the suit wearing me. Light enough that it’s usable in the summer. I use it for weddings, funerals, and special nights out on the town. I won’t naturally choose to wear a suit, but sometimes it’s appropriate.
ArcTeryx incendo Trail Running Pants* – not shown (2022) are very light, wind and water resistant pants which have a good deal of stretch. Great when you want a lot of mobility and modest protection from the elements. Pockets aren’t great. Being used for when exercising outdoor (like Tai Chi) in cooler conditions and running in below freezing conditions.
Alpaca Blend Socks* – not shown (2021) are soft, warm, and cushioning with non slip “dots” on the bottom. Work well as slippers at home and are very pleasant on cold days inside shoes.
Luna Venado Sandals – not shown (2012/2022) I can walk 15 miles / day for a week on hard surfaces and my feet are still feel good. I love the feel of running almost barefoot and the tiny space they take when packed. The don’t make the slap sound some sandals do. The mold to your feet over time. Even after 1500 miles they have a bit of cushion which makes me enjoy walking and running in then. I have used them in the back country but the traction isn’t great. These have been my “shoes” in town unless social convention would have me wear closed toed shoes. Why is it women can were sandal and be considered dressed up and men have to wear closed toe shoes?
Carots Shoes* not shown (2017) are formal looking zero drop shoes. These are the only minimalist shoes I have found that looks like traditional dress shoes (heels and and tapered toe) that are sufficiently comfortable for an evening.
Softstar Shoes Merino Moccasin* – not shown (2021) Comfortable slippers that have a bottom that can be used when walking into the backyard.
Ultrafino Santa Fe Hat* – not shown (2021) is “Panama” straw hat. Purchased expecting better coverage and ventilation. Alas, this hat’s weave is so tight that the ventilation is minimal, and the brim isn’t large enough to consistently shade my face and neck. The function of this hat isn’t as high as I expected, but I have held on to it because it’s a great looking hat.
Also have “extra” clothing stashed for when my existing clothing wears out. Most of the extra clothing were purchased on sale, lightly used, or I had been wearing and decided to drop the number of items I have in a weekly rotation. I currently have 1 pairs of outlier slim dungarees (2019), 3 outlier new way shorts (2014), 3 western rise evolution pants (2022), 4 tee shirts (2018-2021), 3 pairs of briefs (2019-2021), 6 pairs of darn tough socks (2015-2019), 3 pairs xoskin socks (2022), GoreWear R7 trail running jacket (2020/2022), Montebell Peak Dry Jacket (2023), Sikta Shakedry Jacket (2022), Macpac Nitro hoodie (2022), 2 delta tee-shirts (2022). These items will be pulled out when my current clothing wears out. It’s useful to have have an unused items purchased at the same time as one which is in “heavy rotation” to see how much wear and tear accumulates over time.
Stored – Possibly Retire
Tom Bihn Synik 30 Backpack (2020) replaced a Synapse 25 I used for many years. Wonderfully designed with organizational features that perfectly fit my needs. Large enough to hold everything in my packing list, but small enough looking that I have never needed to check it. Have notes about other travel packs. Downside is that it doesn’t have a load transferring hip belt. Might retired it and use my Gossamer Gear Gorilla for when I need a larger carry-on or think about ULA Camino Ultra pack.
Matador Freerain24 2.0* (2017/2020) The waterproof zipper on a 1.0 model wore out after 2 years of daily running commute with my laptop and other supplies. Keeps contents dry in the worst rain. Weights only 5.5oz, and stuffs into a fist size package. Carries reasonably well but not as well as packable Vagabond. Shape tapers which is good for running but makes it a bit challenging to load properly.
Entchin Fanny Pack (2020) Inexpensive fanny pack which is a good size for half day activities. Can hold a headlamp, mini first-aid/emergency kit, water bottle, a protein bar, and small volume jacket. Use rather than daypack so my back is ventilated. The bucket has broken three times and is being held together by tape.
Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Hoody (2009) for cool/cold weather outdoor activities. Without wind protection the grid weave lets air flow through speeding the release of heat. With a shell it provides some insulation. Comfort down to 30F when running without a shell, below that with a shell. When walking around town keeps me comfortable down to 45F when combined with a wind shirt with hoods up. I am reasonably comfortable engage in high energy activities when it’s 65F by fully opening the zipper and pushing the sleeves up to my elbows. Dries amazingly quickly and feels more comfortable than any other shirt I have used when it’s wet in cool conditions. Mine was actually called Capilene 4 because it pre-dates the renaming to “thermal weight”. Likely retire because light base + macpac alpha direct hoody is more versatile and has better performance.
Keen Clearwater CNX (2014/2018) are the lightest sandals Keen makes. The toe cap has been effective at protecting my toes. When worn with gray socks they can “pass” for shoes most of the time. Keens ground feel is a bit “dead”. I am back to using Luna as my primary sandal.
Rudy Project Ketyum Frames with Transitions DriveWear manufactured by Sports Optical* (2021) provides excellent protection for my eyes while cycling and any other daytime activity. Ketyum is one of the few wrap around frames that can handle a prescription as strong as mine. The lens are thick but not too heavy. Transition lens work well during daylight but are a bit too strong at dusk.
Immersion Water Heater (2019) carried primarily for Jackie when taking trips to cold destinations where the hotel rooms don’t have any way to heat water. We generally stay places that it’s not needed.
AWS AC-650 Digital Pocket Scale (2012) a small scale which makes it easy to weight food on the go.
HiFiMan RE800 Silver IEM (2022) Light weight, good quality sound which doesn’t completely cut me off from my environment. Used when I want to listen to music without disturbing family. Great deal at $90.
Radsome EarStudio ES100 (2018) bluetooth/DAC/headphone amplifier allows me to use Westone IEM (or other wired headphones) with devices missing a headphone jack. Can also function as a USB DAC. The ES100 is tiny, with decent sound quality (though Chord Mojo is better) and can even drive Sennheiser HD800 to reasonable sound levels.
Twelve South AirFly Pro (2022) BlueTooth transmitter and receiver used on long flights to listen to audio. Allows me to use AirPods with the audio from the airplane and to drive my Westone from devices that don’t have a headphone jack. There are cheaper/better bluetooth transceivers.
MagSafe Charger* (2021) at bit heavy but useful when lighting port in aging iPhone becomes unreliable
Extra Batteries and Charger for Panasonic LX100 (2023). So far haven’t needed to carry an extra battery.
Geyes Bluetooth Keyboard (2015/2022) I have repeatedly searched for a compact bluetooth keyboard to use with my phone. In the last few years I twice settled on the Geyes keyboard. Yet, I end up giving up on it. Certainly better than typing on the screen, but falls way short of a real keyboard. Either I should decide to give up on a compact bluetooth keyboard one and for all, or I should hold onto this keyboard for the next time I think a compact bluetooth keyboard would be a good idea.
RunScribe Plus (2020) to get information about running form. I am not getting particularly actionable insight but provides more data on running form that Stryd.
Kindle Oasis (2019) Lets me carry the majority of my library and every book can be displayed with large print for my aging eyes. Love being able to quickly search for notes / highlighted passages. I miss physical books and I know knowledge retention is better when reading paper books, but the convenience of the ebooks outweighs this for me. The Oasis ergonomics allows reading with a single hand and I like the warm backlight in the evening. I have been tempted by e-paper Android tablet such as those made by Boox which are a more versatile devices. If I lost the Oasis I would likely use my phone and laptop to access my Kindle “library”.
Retired
GoreWear R7 Trail Running Jacket (2020) I can actually wear it and not be soaked by sweat when active! For example: doing a zone 2 run for two hours in 48F rain just 1 gram of water accumulated in my running shirt. Downside is that the fabric is fragile developing pinpoint holes in the shoulders after 2 years of use though I didn’t experience leakage. Then the zipper broken hence retiring it. GoreWear replaced it under warranty. The “new R7” is a bit more boxy, 50% heavier (4.2->6.4oz), has stretch fabric on the cuffs which I don’t like, and a double zipper which isn’t as stiff. I wish the branding on the jacket wasn’t so obnoxious / ugly. The replacement is in my future wear box for when my Montbell Dry Peak wears out.
Icebreaker Spector Tee (2021) I decided to try a lighter weight tee that isn’t as body hugging and is more colorful. I quickly decided that I prefer the Anatomica fit, and black for daily wear. After 300 wears it was looking tired. The first hole appear around 400 days.
REI eVENT Rain Hat (2013) a discontinued ball cap made from waterproof / breathable eVENT. Used when hiking or running when I know it’s going to be raining. Keeps rain off of my face and glasses.
Altra Running Superior Trail-runners (2017/2022) zero drop, modest cushion, trail running shoe which are light weight with a fairly grippy sole for mixed trail conditions. Beside wearing them running, they are my primary footwear in the backcountry, and I wear in town when my feet are sore and need some extra cushion. I have worn 18 pairs. Wish I could get more than 400 miles before they wear out. Pair 17 soles came detached after around 75 miles. Alta sent me a new pair under warranty. Something changed in version 5 (or maybe my feet changed) and they aren’t as comfortable as they used to be.
Bluesmith Kanaha Shirt (2021) Hydrophobic treated shirt which protects from the sun and absorbs very little water. Very comfortable to wear and works well when swimming without being extremely tight. Replaced a misplaced “rashguard” shirt. I experimented with it as a general fitness shirt but I don’t think it’s hydrophobic approach to moisture is better for me that Polartec Delta in hot weather. Downside if not used for water sports is it quickly accumulated body odor, upside is that a quick rinse seems to wash the odor away. Its effective, but Jackie really hates it style so it’s being retired.
Muji Sport Jacket (2013) A casual blazer which doesn’t wrinkle and has served me well. Retiring because it was never a great fit and there are some stains that aren’t coming out.
Osprey Transporter 46L (2004) similar to the current Osprey Porter 46. Used for 10 years as my primary travel bag until I downsized to a Tom Bihn bag in 2014. Very fond of it, but it’s no longer needed. Used to transport items to family and left with them.
Patagonia Tres 25L Bag* (2016) 23andMe swag which I don’t need.
Biosense (2022) ketosis breath meter to simplify measuring ketosis when experimenting with diets and fasting. Don’t need to test frequently and prefer accuracy of blood test.
Westone 5ES IEM (2012) Great audio quality, used to provide 35db noise reduction which could be comfortably worn on 14 hour flights. Alas, my ear canals have changed shape so they longer seals well enough to significantly reduce external noise. The cost of reshelling doesn’t make sense given I don’t use them that much.
Portable 14″ 4K Monitor (2022) for more screen real-estate. Was needed when I was doing a lot of Zoom meeting and needing to also have screen space for documents. Now that I am not in back to back meetings likely not needed. A better solution might have been xebec since the screen is attached to the laptop rather than sitting to the side.
Moved from me to Family
Apple iPad Air 4 + Smart Keyboard Folio (2021) Purchased as a second monitor (via Sidecar) for MacBook for when I am working away from home. I have found the iPad also works well for consuming media. The Folio keyboard is compact making it compact for onebag travel, but the keyboard feel is mediocre and not stable enough to use on the lap. I tried to do most of my “personal” computing on the iPad with a Magic Keyboard to see if a iPad could replace a laptop: it was a failure. There is too much friction integrating information from several windows and often the app experience on the iPad fell short when compared to the experience on a real laptop or Chromebook. This is my third iPad since they were introduced. While each was useful for a particular task, I have yet to find it a compelling device for general use. A portable UCB-C powered screen is more effective for me as a second screen. I have abandoned using the iPad. Jackie is now seeing if she can “live on it”. It looks like it’s no better for her.
Magic Keyboard for iPad (2021) Works much better than the Folio Keyboard, decent feel, can actually be used sitting on my lap, and the keys are lighted which is handy in the evening. Alas, the weight of this keyboard + the iPad is as heavy as a real laptop.
LG 27BN88U 27-inch 4K Display (2020) No longer doing endless Zoom meeting for work. Left in our guest room for visitors.
Foldable Desk (2012) which the above monitor is mounted on. When folded up small enough to fit in the trunk of our car for transport. No longer needed by me. Now functions as a desk in our guest room.
USB Power Task Light (2020) In guest room.
RAVpower 120w USB-C Charger (2021) A compact power source with 2 USB-C, 2 USB-A ports allows me to rapidly charger all the devices I might use in day. Only downside is it sometimes gets confused how much power to deliver to which port and I need to disconnect / reconnect devices until each is getting power. Now in living room to be used by anyone who is sitting on the coach and needs power.
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also
Matthew 6:19-21