Simplifying my stuff has remove unnecessary friction from everyday life and provided freedom to pursue what’s important to me. Simplifying our possessions enabled us to rent our home for three years via AirBNB while we traveled the world living out of a carry-on bag.

The following is a complete list of everything I own. This list might look minimalist to the average person living in the SF Bay Area and luxurious to people who live in much of the world. It’s the right amount to me. Items in bold I found to be 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. I also have a list of items shared by our family.

Making this list was inspired by zenhabit’s one bag lifestyle and Tynan’s Gear posts. Please do not allow your possessions to become the basis of your self-worth, security or well being.

Everyday Use (EDC)

Apple Based Computing

I am in the Apple eco-system due to the intersection of security, quality of applications and ease of collaboration/sharing. I have additional details about the technology I use. At some point I will likely consolidate back to a single laptop. Most likely a MacBook Air. I wish Apple would make an ultra portable.

• MacBook 12″ from 2017* (2023) This is the last ultra portable made by Apple. It’s 2lb, decent keyboard, and enables me to complete daily tasks with a minimum amount of friction. Used when traveling and often when sitting on the couch at home. The last official version of OSX supported is OSX Ventura (version 13). OpenCore Patcher lets me run the current OSX but this is risky.. can brick your machine.
• MacBook Pro 14-inch (2006/2021) Used at home, often connected to an external monitor or our TV. When I am traveling it is left running in a safe location accessed via Tailscale. Holds the family’s archives: pictures, videos, ripped CDs, digitized books, documents and running my personal LLM. I could change workflows so everything lived in cloud, but current system is working well. I select a configuration with enough storage for 2x my current usage (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 to upgrade.
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro (2024) too big, but can’t find a usable small phone :(. Camera on the 16 pro is quite good, appreciate the action and camera button, and the satellite messaging has sometimes been useful but not always reliable. Apple’s native satellite system (using GlobalStar) has a fairly good UI. StarLink via T-Mobile UI is pretty poor and connectivity has been inconsistent with both. When the phone detect cell service (even if it’s too weak to be useful) you can’t make use of the satilite service. Garmin InReach is better if you need reliable signaling in the back country. T-Mobile carrier service (2022) has decent international coverage but so/so coverage in USA compared to Verizon. This phone only supports eSIMs which sucks when doing international travel or if you regularly switch between phone.
• Apple AirPod Pros (2021/2023) are nicely integrated with the Apple eco-system and just works. Noise reduction is “ok”, and the “ambient mode” provides situational awareness. The case is part of the “Find My” eco-system.  Downside is battery can’t be swapped when it no longer holds a charge. I have written about other headphones.

Other Technology

“Tech Kit” items are stored in a small litesmith zipza pouch (2023) which is the perfect size, mostly waterproof, light, and a different texture than anything else in my bag so easy to find by touch. I am hoping that I will soon only have devices that use USB-C and will be able to do away with the adapters.

• Nomad 65w Slim Charger (2024) hangs down rather than out so doesn’t lever itself out of loose outlets and packs well. 65W to one slot, 45W/20W when using both. My wife loves her tiny 30w Anker Nano. For people who want three outlets, Anker and Minix make good alternative. If I wanted to be able to fast charge the MacBook Pro, or if I wanted enough power for a multi-day LLM training run I should upgrade to a 100w charger. I haven’t because these are not normal needs, especially when traveling, and I prefer a smaller / lighter charger. If I was going to bring a USB charger that was >100watts I would think about getting something that has a removal cord rather than plugs directly into the wall because high watt chargers are getting so heavy that they will leverage out of the outlet. Snug plug can help prevent this problem (thanks Glen for both these recommendations)
• Nitecore 10000 Gen2 (2023) power bank with USB-A out C in/out. One of the lightest and most compact 10k battery I have found. Comfortable in my pocket while charging my phone. Can slowly charge my MacBook or mostly power the MacBook while charging my iPhone. Supports pass through charging so I can charge this battery while my MacBook is plugged into. Has a bug that when you hold the “low power” button too long it puts the battery in standby mode which is only ended when you plug it in to be charged, fixed in Gen3. There is a nice article about the complexities of benchmarking power banks which compares the three leading 20k power banks. There is a spreadsheet of many power bank options.
• Updated: Cables: A 6ft USB-C cable, a 3ft cable, 2 6″ USB-C cables, all rated to 100w
• Adaptor tips from USB-C to (Lighting, Garmin), and 2 USB-C to A converter.
• New: USB Power Meter* (2025) USB-C female/male adaptor that displaces voltage, amps, and power flowing through. Was useful diagnosing power issues.
• New: BLE caberQU – not shown (2025) Tests UCB-C cables to determine how much power and data they can carry. Helped me identify cables that were substandard for my needs.
• Mogics Adapter MA1 (2023) is the smallest and lightest universal power adaptor I have found. For type E remember to unscrew and extended the type C prongs. Some trouble in UK outlets due to round pins: sparking until I got it set properly. BTW: The best visual display of outlet types I have found.
• Updated: SanDisk USB Ultradrive 256Gb (2025) Built in type A&C connectors. Replaced a USB stick I gifted.
• Tempo Logging Thermometer (2022/2025) which lets me keep track of the conditions I experience.
• Etymotic HF3* (2013/2023 – discontinued) Great sound isolation. Provides me with around 40db of noise reduction which is better than any consumer grade active noise cancelling headphones I have tried. Carried a 2-prong airplane adaptor and an uGreen UCB-C Adapter (2024) which supports the volume/advance/pause buttons and the microphone. Second foam eartips for when current pair stops sealing. The AirPod Pros are good enough than I would skip unless I was doing multiple, long duration flight.

In Pockets / On My Body

• Flexon Frames (1995/2020) last an average of 8 years. Yearly replace lens… currently using high index progressive lens with Transitions XtrActive Polarized (2023) that go from almost clear and unpolarized to 90% light blockage which is polarized! Eyeglasses are an incredible blessing.
• 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 my phone behind. I find the data I get from Garmin to be higher quality than most other wrist worn sensors, being close to medical / lab grade when paired with external sensors. Better battery life than the Apple Watch with physical buttons which work with sweaty fingers. The display on the 965 is a significant improvement but I am happy enough with my 955 not to upgrade. There are other good sport watches.
• Hanchor Mica (2023) a tiny wallet / coin purse which holds my IDs, 1 credit card, 1 debit card, a few bills, coins when needed. Using a Chase Sapphire Reserve card for this season of life. Annual fee is ridiculous, but benefits have more than paid for the fee last few years. Really appreciate that the points can be transferred to the frequent flying programs we use, and the access to airport lounges has been a lifesaver.
• 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. I am on my 3rd Rambler after losing a couple to TSA in the early 2000s. I have some notes about other knives.
• Swiss+Tech Utili-Key (2002/2023) Replaces my Rambler when flying and none of my companions is using a check-through bag where I can stash my Rambler. The Utili-Key has made it through TSA checkpoints over 193 times without being confiscated, but isn’t as usable as a Rambler pocket knife. On third Utili-Key due to misplacing them.
• Uniball Vision Elite .5mm Pen (2015/2024) Writing feel approaching Pilot V5 and doesn’t leak after plane flights!

In Bag

Items are carried in whatever bag I am using for the day. I used to carry the charging and power kit listed above, but my phone’s battery lasts long enough that it’s not necessary.

• Zojirushi Double Walled Mug 16oz (2013/2017) can easily be used one handed, locks, pours at the perfect speed, the mouth is wide enough for ice cubes, and insulates 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. 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. I have a Deep Cherry color mug which is easy to spot. When I want to go extra light weight, I swapped it for either a SmartWater bottle or a 2L Platypus bottle.
• NU20 classic (2024) 38 grams. Adequate regulation on medium and low settings. Has a flood, spot, and red light. Used when I need hands free light: making repairs, hiking at night, etc. Lit our kitchen during a power outage by bouncing light off ceiling. Can be locked to prevent accidentally turning on. Four LEDS to indicate battery level. UCB-C for changing and can be powered by an external source making it useful in extreme cold or when needing long runtimes. There are many other good flashlights.
• tape measure (2020/2025) moderately priced but not the most durable. I often need to measure things. Replaced metal 6 Foot Tape Measure which confiscated by security in UAE because it’s a weapon?!
• Passport with a Chipolo Card Spot – not shown (2023) so I can use Apple’s “Find My” for my passport. Used to cross borders, checking into hotels, getting cell service, etc. Stored in a loksak aloksak which protects it from water, and is large enough for passport + my phone + my wallet if I go swimming.
• Fold-it-flat Unitensil Spoon/Fork* – not shown (2015) Often useful when traveling and we purchase food at grocery stores rather than restaurants.
• Small first aid kit, not shown here – travels in toiletry kit shown below, moved to daily use at destination.

Toiletries/Personal Care

• Decathlon Ultralight Toiletry Bag (2024) is the perfect size for my toiletry kit and make it easy for me to find everything quickly. Top section holds first aid kit, middle things for teeth/lips, and the larger bottom section holds everything else.
• First Aid Kit: Band-aids, single use benzoin tincture, compeed blister pads, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, superglue, a couple of safety pins, and a few doses of nyquil and benadryl, small HumanGear GoTubb to store aleve.
• Updated: Suri 2 Electric Toothbrush – not shown (2025) Effective, sustainable, moderately compact, induction charger powered by USB-C. Wish it would charge via a USB-C plug in the handle or via Qi for travel rather than requiring either it’s charging stand or it’s travel case (which is too big for my taste). Suri is significantly more effective than manual brushing. Oral-B (better for small mouths and cheaper) and Sonicare (some can charge using Qi) are good alternatives but not as compact. Replace a 12 year old Oral-B whose battery failed. I find the “sonic” motion less satisfying than the rotary of the Oral-B. Useful reviews are at electricteeth.com.
• Philips One Toothbrush* (2024) Electric toothbrush that is compact, easy to use, comfortable in the hand, but only moderately effective compared to full power electric toothbrush. Used on light and fast trips. Using a charging adapter, though picture shows the original charging cable. Why doesn’t the Philips (or anyone else) make use a standard USB-C socket?! on the handle. Purchased because my old Oral-B was just too bulky. The Suri is compact enough that I will likely retire the Philips in the next year.
• Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser – not shown (2023). When traveling leave waterpik at home.
• 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.
• Toothpaste and Toothpicks
• 100senses body bar (2020/2025) 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.
• Matador Flatpack Soap Case (2020). The Flatpak lets the soap dry out better than a ziplock bag, but it’s far from magical. In high humidity conditions I have had soap fail to dry after a couple of days. It doesn’t work very well as a case while showering.
• Gillette Mach-3 Handle (2024) and enough blades (1999/2021) for my next trip segment. Use around 11 blades / year. Costco often sells large packs of the blades at a discounted price. The handle I have used since 1999 broke.
• PaRaDa Nail clipper (2014) are large and heavy but effective and the trimmings catcher is brilliant. I have been saying for years that I will replace it with something lighter and more compact but I haven’t done it yet. Maybe a Victorinox Red Nailclipper?
• Retractable Bristle Hairbrush (1994) Compact and more effective than a comb for me.
• Daily Medicine – not shown (2024/2025) – Comprehensive preventative medical checkup in TW recommended some medicines to take daily.
• Crystal Deodorant (2023) Simple Potassium Alum crystals. Years ago I ran an experiment and discovered if I showered regularly, no one could tell that I didn’t use deodorant. I suppose I have lower BO than some people. After >10 years I gave this deodorant a try after reading about them on /r/onebag. I notice that my shirts go a day or more longer before they pick up body odor. Carrying a 1.5 oz stick which shows little wear after 2 years of use. It’s best to apply right after a shower since it needs to be wet and works best on clean skin. It’s not an anti-perspirant nor doesn’t cover up existing odor. Rather it produces it environment that is hostile to the odor creating bacteria. Removed from case… rubber band to make it easier to grip.
• A micro fiber cleaning / storage bag for my glasses (2014)
• Updated? PackTowel Ultralight Body Size (2009 – discontinued) Dries in less than 3 hours after I dry myself 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. Picked up an REI Multi-Towel Large – Not Shown (2024) which I mostly use at the gym. Roughly twice the size and weight of my PackTowel. Purchase when Pack Towel got misplaced (it turned up around 3 weeks later in our gym’s lost and found). I found its texture more comfortable and easier to use – doesn’t stick) compared to my PackTowel. I am using the REI towel most of the time, but when weight / space is at a premium I return to the PackTowel. There are other travel towels.
• Holey Hiker Backpacking Bidet – not shown (2024). Just attach to a squeezable water bottle. Not as nice as a heated toto, but gets the job done. This plus some other hygiene and no more monkey butt during extended treks in hot conditions.
• I acquire sunscreen wherever I am. I try to select SPF >=50, considered very low risk for health, and reef safe when near the ocean. The sun screens in EU are way better than in the US because the FDA hasn’t approve some of the newer options. Such a shame since they are reportedly are safe, feel better on the skin, and often don’t leave you looking like a ghost. If the trip is short and I don’t have any sun screen from the EU left I will bring a Neutrogena Mineral stick. Around town where I don’t need to worry about form factor or TSA I will pick up whatever is the top rated sun screen that is liked by both consumerlab and ewg.
• Totobobo mask* – not shown (2023) which is almost as effective as N95, and easier to breathe through. Mask + replacement filters are more compact that carrying a number of M95 masks. I like the disposable BOTN KT94 and the classic 3M N95. For other good options see Masknerd reviews. N95 properly worn provides significant more protection than cloth or the basic surgical masks.
• Sleep Mask – not shown (2022) helps me get longer / better sleep because it stops external light from disturbing me.

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.

Daily Uniform

These are the cloths I typically wear each day in response to temperature / sunlight I expect to experience: shorts or long pants, tee-shirt or long-sleeve hoodie for sun protection.

• Merrill Vapor Glove currently v6 (2019/2025) Are the most minimalist running shoes I have found that fits me “like a glove” and function on nice trails. Great for travel because it packs into a very small space. Downside is that any moisture (rain, wet grass, etc) goes right through the uppers and the soles aren’t grippy on wet surfaces. Worn out and replaced 8 pair after around 400 miles of use. I have almost 600 miles on my current pair. These are the shoes I most frequently wear around town. Inov-8 TrailFly are more versatile, but since they are no longer available in black, I using the Vapor Glove whenever I can to preserve the 2 pairs of TrailFly I own for when I travel.
• Darn Tough Socks – 4 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 after >4000 miles of use for each pair. None of my light crew have been worn through yet. They don’t prevent blisters like Xoskin toe socks, but they are much less of a hassle to put on and take off
• Outlier Slim Dungarees – 3 pairs (2014/2025) High-tech nylon pants in the style of jeans. Gives me an almost tailored fit, looks great, good mobility and durability. Thanks to the NanoSphere treatment very stain and water resistant. Dry overnight. They are perfect when it’s <75F and I am inactive, <55F when active. When highly active and >70F the seam that runs along the inner thighs chafes. 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 before there is any signs of wear: 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 few pairs after a pen leak created a large stain and after I lost weight and needed to switch to a smaller waist. When paired with nice shirt, and blazer have been accepted in situations which called for semi-formal dress. The hiking pants I wore in the past couldn’t do that. I have repeatedly had women in the garment industry say “Where did you get those pants? They look great. I want to buy a pair for my husband.” SD seem pricey but it depends what you compare them to. When considering the cost / day of wear (<$0.07/day)… they are 5x the cost of mass market nylon pants which don’t fit me that well, 2x the cost of higher quality nylon pants from companies like Prana and Patagonia, and about the same cost per day as Levi 501 jeans if I retired them when the knees are blown out. Maybe an indulgence, but I don’t think them of them as a luxury item when I see $1390 nylon shorts from Prada. They are going to be discontinued. If you want a pair, buy them now. Other good pants.
• Outlier New Way Shorts  2 pairs – (2014/2017 – discontinued) are nice looking shorts which fit me perfectly, are durable, and resist stains. The first place place for wear to show up is the mesh to drain the pockets develop holes. These shorts feel like they were tailored for me. I can’t put into words how “right” they feel each time I put a pair on. The fabric is thick enough to prevent items in my pocket from really standing out. They are pricy but I hadn’t found any shorts that I liked as much. They can function as a swim suit but aren’t ideal for that use because they take 2x times to dry as some of my board shorts and my wife observed “they don’t look like a proper swim suit.” Still wearing the first pair I purchased.
• Icebreaker Anatomica Briefs – 7 pairs (2014/2025) the most comfortable underwear I have worn. They dry overnight and resist odor. I get around 600 days of wear before the waist band deforms and small holes appear. Only downside is that they bunch up a bit in hot weather when carrying a backpack. Tommy John’s Air Briefs (2022) are really wedgy-proof and dry quickly except for the waist band. Duluth Trading Buck Naked briefs (2025) are decent but don’t dry as quick as the Anatomica briefs. In the past I found the synthetic briefs from Ex Offico were pretty good but their quality has dropped. I have heard Uniqo Airism and 32degrees mesh are good values but I have no personal experience. When traveling I bring two pairs: one to wear, one to wash/dry.
• Icebreaker Anatomica Tee-shirt – 3 pairs (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 a week+ of wear, dries overnight, and my wife likes how the shirt looks on me. UPF between 15-30? I get around 500 days of wear before an Anatomica Tee looks tired, and 600 days before the first small holes appear. This is my default shirt unless I am want something covering my arms (sun protection or warmth). I think Icebreaker makes the best merino tees, but there are a number of other good options from Smartwool, Outlier, Wool&Prince, and several other companies. I strongly recommend light merino be mixed with a small amount of other fiber like nylon. This can result in the shirt lasting 4x longer than a light 100% merino tee. While I love merino wool, there are advantages to synthetic technical-tees: absorb less water, dry more quickly, and are more cost effective because they tend to be cheaper and longer lasting.
• Arcteryx Cormac Hoodie (2023) A casual UPF 50 shirt. Slightly textured which I find reasonably comfortable when I am hot and sweaty. When using a crystal deodorant resists odor for 3+ days of normal activities, 2 day of vigorous activity. Provides full sun protection. Resists stains pretty well so spills generally clean with a quick rinse, but after 130 days of use there were stains which won’t come out. Thankfully light stains on the heather mostly blend in. I found this shirt dries in less than 3 hours after being squeezed, rolled in a towel and hung in a cool indoor room with modest ventilation. When hung in bright sunlight it dries in less than 1 hour. Also dries in less than 1.5 hours when I am wearing it in moderate temperatures and humidity. This is my default shirt for “outdoors” / “athletic” activities. The Outdoor Research Echo is a good alternative for many: lighter, cooler feeling, with a slimmer fit, and good anti odor. Unfortunately for me, the Echo’s UPF is 15-20 has resulted in me getting sunburn when I spend all day outdoors in locations which have >10 UV Index. I have notes about other base layers.
• Patagonia Cool Daily Hoodie (2022) Comfortable hoodie, resists odor for 4 days when modestly active, provides moderate sun protection which I believe is good enough when I am indoors much of the day or in locations with moderate UV index. Patagonia removed any UPF claims because between their initial testing and production the UPF performance dropped / was inconsistent (from >50 to 17-45, average 34). Used when my Cormac hoody is dirty.

Travel / Adventure Uniform

I spent three years continuously traveling, using a personal size (23l) bag. I was often washing clothing in the sink and experienced a wide range of conditions. I ended up modifying my “daily uniform” with clothing that reliably dry overnight, usable when engaged in a wide variety of activities, and were usable in warmer conditions.

• Inov-8 TrailFly G 270 – not shown, listed below under footwear
• Xoskin Toe Socks – 2 pairs (2022/2025) prevents blisters forming between my toes when walking or running for extended distances. I have worn one pair 30 days in a row doing 16 miles of hiking each day without blisters, even when my feet are wet. They weren’t too stinky after six days of continuous use and not washing (yes, this is gross, but I was backpacking and running an experiment), though they are more prone to pick up odor after several hundred miles of use. Gets 700 miles before first hole appears. With darning can often make it to 1100 miles.
• Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit – 2 pair (2023/2024) Acceptable looking in urban settings (wish didn’t have the OR logo on the pocket.. though typically hidden by my shirt) while providing great mobility and one of the most comfortable pants in hot weather. Unless it’s 99% humidity, dries in a few hours. I have some concerns about long term durability… noticed some light pilling near my knee after around 120 days of wear but only noticeable when my eye is inches from the fabric. Time between washing required varies between 1 day (muddy trails in hot weather) to 5 days (urban, low activity, cool temperatures). Dries more quickly and is comfortable in a larger range of conditions than my Slim Dungarees.
• Patagonia Hydropeak Hybrid Walk Shorts (2023) dry in a couple of hours while hanging, faster when wearing. They are very comfortable, give me good freedom of movement. Not excessively “technical” looking. Can function as a swim suit – no drawstring but snug enough fit that they stay on when I dive from a high board. Use them when traveling because they dry more quickly than my New Way Shorts.
• OR Astroman Button-Up (2023/2025) UPF 30-50, light weight long sleeve button-up shirt. Jack of all trades, master of none. If I could only have one shirt for adventure travel, this is what I would take. Good sun protection and reasonably comfortable in hot conditions, but not as comfortable as Cormac Hoodie. Reasonably dressy, but the slash pocket and lack of fabric structure isn’t as dressy as a good wool, cotton, or linen button-down shirt. Resists odor for 2-4 days at “normal” activity levels, 1-2 when highly active. Dries in a few hours when hung up after washing. First shirt not durable: shoulders piling after just 10 days of backpacking, but OR replaced it under warranty. The new one seems better, but haven’t exposed it to extended trips under a full heavy pack.

Footwear

• Inov-8 Trailfly G 270 (2022/2024 – discontinued) Zero drop trail running shoe with a 12mm stack. Great fit for me: just enough room for my toes to splay while gripping my heel perfectly. Used when traveling or when backpacking / trail running when the terrain is too challenging for other footwear. They have been acceptable footwear in snobbish establishments and no one has ever commented about them. The graphene infused soles are more durable than typical trail runners. At 1400 miles the uppers still look good and there is still a bit of tread on the highest wear areas of the sole. Discontinued and replaced by the Trailfly Zero which I haven’t tried yet. Hopefully same fit and durable. Alas, not available in black, or any discreet colors. For people who need more cushion and a wide toe-box I would recommend Alta Running & Topo, or if you need extreme cushioning Hoka OneOne. I have additional notes about trail runners.
• Vivobarefoot Gobi II  (2017/2022) are comfort, zero-drop, minimalist ankle boots which look good with casual clothing or dressed up in a suit. 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. Unlike shoes with breathable nylon uppers, keeps sand and dust away from my feet and socks. LEMS Chelsea Boots might be a good alternative.
• Softstar Zen Moccasin* (2021) Comfortable slippers for cold days. Wear them because walking barefoot in cold weather “hurts” Jackie’s eyes.
• Heavy Alpaka Socks* (2021) Purchased for events which asked for non-slip socks / not shoes. Used on and off as very packable slippers. Cozy, but rarely used.
• Shammas Elite Maximus (2024) I love the feel of running almost barefoot and the small space they take when packed. I find the Shammas lacing system more comfortable than most of the other minimalist sandals with just the right balance of traction and ground feel. If I haven’t worn them for awhile have to ease back into them or end up with a blister just under my toe joint. Wearing XoSkin toe socks makes this less likely. Expect to get around 1600 miles based on my experience with Luna sandals which are quite similar. I have hiked thousands of miles in this sort of minimalist sandal, including the 500 mile Camino de Santiago.

Exercise Clothing

• Garmin HRM-Pro (2021) gets higher accuracy during interval training than built in optical sensor on smart watches and works when swimming. Also provides running power which has been somewhat useful. Supports ANT+ and Bluetooth.
• Foam Visor (2023) Keeps sun, rain, and sweat out of my eyes when running or hiking and doesn’t absorb water when worn in the rain. Typically combined with a hood which protects neck and ears.
• De Soto Mobius Tri Shorts (2018/2021) Can be used for bicycling, running, swimming, and workouts at the gym. They are comfortable for all the high energy activities I engage in when the temperature is above freezing. For many year eliminated all issues with chafing, dries 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 get around 1000 hours of use from each pair before the elastic no longer provides any compression and many more reasons passed when compression was not longer effective … never had a pair develop holes. In 2023 I started to experience chafing on my male parts when running in hot conditions.
• Xoskin Compression Shorts (2023/2024) Great for many highly energy activities. Has eliminated chafing on long, hot runs, and of course work fine in less demanding circumstances. Ok as a swim suit. No pockets, but items placed on the leg are held in place by compression. Not durable enough to bicycle in without shorts over them. When not subjected to extreme abrasive conditions, first hole appeared after around 600 hours of use, but performance is still good.
• Xenith Delta Shirt (2021/2022 – discontinued) 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 “quick dry” shirts, and feels cool against the skin. I have also found that it is one of the most odor resistant shirt I have used that isn’t made from merino. UPF 30. Use an ArcTeryx Cormac when outdoors for longer duration activities.  Burgeon Outdoor makes some nice Delta shirts.
• Black Diamond Alpine Start – not shown (2021) is a 6oz hoodless ultralight soft-shell which is very air permeable (30-60 CFM depend on who did the measurement… feels like 45cfm to me) 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!

“Variety” Clothing

While I normally like to wear my “uniform”, I know my wife likes variety in my clothing, and likes when I get “dressed up”. I sometimes call the following my “Jackie clothing”. All of these items can be rolled over their hangers and be stored in a $4 Ikea Frakta Duffel (2022) along with my beach items, and the clothing I leave behind on extended trips.

• Amazon Basics Slim Golf Pants* (2025) Inexpensive, reasonably fitting pants. Purchased when I needed a nice pair of light color pants for an outdoor wedding I was attending.
• 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.
• Solbri Business Shirt (2023 – Discontinued) UPF50+, made from their “Dry Flex”. White button up is versatile and can be worn with almost anything. Dries reasonably quickly and resists wrinkles. A previous Dry Flex shirt started to grey after around 150 wears :(. We will see how this one will do.
• Muji Black/Grey/White Checked Button Up Shirt* (2013 – discontinued) for something that is casual but a bit more dressed up than my tee-shirt or hoody. Gift from Jackie.
• Western Rise Unlimited Button Down* (2022) Slim cut Blue Merino / Polyester blend button down shirt. Looks like a classic “business casual” worn by VCs in the Bay Area. 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. Dries quickly enough to hand wash at night and be ready to be worn the next morning. Can wear 4 days without any odor.
• Jolly Gear Triple Crown Shirt* (2024) Button down shirt with hide-able hood and thumb loops, UPF 30, modestly stink resistant (it’s polyester), and fast drying. A flashback to the 1970s. Works on the trail and in the city. The pattern is printed on the outside, so when you roll up the sleeves plain fabric is revealed. Not as cool wearing as sun shirts made by OR. A bit much for me, but my wife loves it and I regularly get compliments from people when I wear it.
• Wool and Prince 210wt Burgundy Oxford Shirt* (2020) Slim fit, classic oxford cloth look while being 100% wool. During the winter, this is my favorite dress shirt. Christmas present.
• NEW: Yamatomichi Merino Shirt* (2025) Relaxed fit shirt with snaps rather than buttons made from tightly woven Merino wool. Nice fabric, comfortable, resists odor for more than a week.
• Outlier AMB Merino Wool Button Up Shirt (2019 – discontinued) Very comfortable. Nice looking, resists wrinkles and if I don’t spill food on it can be worn for more than a week without washing. Dries overnight. Good air permeability, surprisingly comfortable in warmer conditions. I love this shirt but I haven’t found a good replacement. I don’t use it for daily wear to minimize wear and tear. I save it for special occasions and when traveling.
• Minus33 Mid-weight Merino Mock Turtleneck* (2023) More casual than button down shirt but dressier than a hoody. Warm enough that I don’t need a sweater when it’s cool, but not overly warm when sitting around indoors. Have been able to wear for more than a week with no noticeable odor retention. Within a few weeks a small hole appeared over my Garmin 955. What weird is that I don’t find any sharp edges on the Garmin… but I have seen smaller holes develop in other long sleeve shirts.
• 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.
• 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 and Easter sweater. Gift from Jackie.
• Bluffworks Hopsack Blazer* (2022) Blazer which doesn’t wrinkle, can be washed in a machine, and is light enough to wear in hot weather. Great for when I am traveling and need to get “dressed up”.
• Boss Blazer* (2014 – discontinued) for dressy events in the fall and winter that don’t require a formal suit. Have found that it doesn’t wrinkle when packed carefully in my backpack. Christmas present.
• Boss Wool Suit (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.
• Ultrafino Santa Fe Hat* – not shown (2021) is “Panama” straw hat. 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 that I will sometimes wear to a party when the UV index isn’t too high (like early evening).

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 DryPeak Jacket (2022 – discontinued) made from Shakedry. I can actually wear it and not be soaked by sweat when active! I have done zone 2 runs for 2 hours in 48F rain with just 1 gram of water accumulating. Waterproof and doesn’t wet out. Works well as a wind shell. Shakedry is somewhat fragile and is discontinued… hope something equally performant comes out soon. Other options are discussed in my post about rain gear.
• Zpacks Vertice Rain Pants (2018) are simple, light, breathable, waterproof rain pants. Have used them occasionally in cool rain when commuting by bike, hiking, or backpacking. In the last year I found myself leaving them in my pack. I was adequately comfortable wearing Terrebonne or OR Ferrosi in the rain and then allowing them to dry on my body. After a few years of light use I am getting some minor leaking in the seat, and the bottom cuffs are fraying / delaminating. Likely replace with something more durable.
• Macpac Nitro Pullover (2021) Made from Polartec Alpha Direct (90gsm). Almost no water absorption and dries super fast. Very air permeable… I can feel air flow at walking speed in still air. Very light insulate without a shell, surprisingly warm under a shell. Great when active in cold conditions. 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 flat terrain), and in colder conditions when more active. Not as fragile as it looks but guessing 1/4 the lifetime of a classic fleece. 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 adequately comfortable down to around 45F. When combined with a tee-shirt, Macpac Nitro, and a shell allows me to be comfortable while walking down to 30F. Combined with Nitro and Micro Puff keeps me warm enough in any winter conditions I am likely to encounter in the next few years. More acceptable looking over button down shirt / under blazer than my hoodie. Less than perfect for me: cut is a bit too boxy the neck doesn’t seal well.
• NEW: ArcTeryx Atom Jacket* (2025) Light weight, synthetic insulated jacket. I find it comfortable down to around 50F when static but not too warm when inside. The ArcTeryx Proton or combining a breathable shell and Alpha Direct hoodie are more versatile / better performing in the backcountry, but the Atom is great in town when seeking a more urban “vibe”. Jackie much prefers this to me wearing my Alpha Direct hoody and my rainshell (which she says looks like a garbage bag).
• Patagonia Micro Puff Hoody – not shown  (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 and/or Nitro Hoody it’s just right for winter trips in the sierras. Reasonably light and compressible. Long enough to cover my blazer. Often lives in our car for emergencies.
• Manzella Power Stretch Touch Tip Gloves* (2023) Light weight gloves that I can mix/match with shell mittens. Hands have been ok rain shell mittens down to 20F. One of the finger seams came open, but I was able to repair it.
• Updated: REI Minimalist Rain Mittens (2025) Keeps my hand comfortable from freezing to around 50F when engaged in modest activity. More durable than the cottage gear ultralight mittens. Replaces a pair of Enlightened Gear Visp Rain Mittens which wore out.
• Montbell Umbrero Rain Hat (2021/2025) 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 <25mph winds. I paint the inside for UV protection. I think it’s silly looking, and periodically have people point and laugh… but I have also received compliments and have had people chase me down to ask where they could purchase one for themselves. The tube inside the brim breaks after 2-3 years of everyday use. There are lots of other good hat options.

Lives in Car

I leave some items in car trunk in case we encounter unexpected conditions. I rarely use these items personally, but have often loaned them out to friends who weren’t prepared for the weather we encountered.

• Gossamer Gear Vagabond Packable* (2021) 23L pack which is comfortable to carry and easily packs away in a larger bag. This is the most comfortable carrying packable day pack I have used. Most packable daypacks feel like a sack with straps designed to fit a non human.
• Tilley LTM6 Hat* (2014) durable hat that provides good sun protection. I prefer the LTM8 which has more ventilation.
• Icebreaker Quattro Hoodie* (2012) is a medium weight merino wool sweatshirt. After several years of near constant use starting to pill and is a bit stained, so has been “retired” to the car.
• 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. Best replacement would likely by the Mountain Hardware Kor.
• 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. The ground feel is a bit “dead”.

Transportation

My Specialized Roubaix was stolen in 2025. I miss it, but my old R3 which I was mostly using on the Kickr is still great for my typical road rides. At some point I might pick up a gravel bike.

• Cervelo R3 (2013/2015 – discontinued). 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. Fitted with an Infinity Seat (weird looking but surprisingly comfortable), 2 water bottle cages, and a small seat bag which holds a pump, tubolito tube, bike tool, 2 tire levers, and an extra 18650 battery.
• NIU K3 Max Electric Scooter* – not shown (2024) Foruse when I didn’t want to get sweating from riding my bike. Claims to be 40 mile range but in the real world I got 22. Purchased maximum range model because from our AirBNB to trailheads required 18 miles round trip. Max speed of. 24mph is about right. The small tires survive but are less than ideal when encountering potholes. Happy to use the scooter with well maintained streets, but section of Portland were challenging. Bigger and heavier than I would like.
• Update: Flextail Bike Pump Pro (2025) Tiny bike pump powered by a USB-C rechargeable battery. About the size of two CO2 canisters. Replaced pump which was stolen.
• Felix BC21R Bike Headlamp (2019/2025) Uses a removable 18650 rechargeable battery which is super handy. I don’t love the Felix but it’s gets the job done and don’t know of a light I would prefer. Repurchased when the previous light was stolen.
• Cygolite Hotshot Pro 150* (2019/2023) Effective. I wish it used USB-C for charging. I would love to find a good, moderately priced tail light which using UCB-C.
• Updated: Giro Aries Spherical Helmet (2025) Very light, good air flow, one of the most protective helmets on the market. Alas, it doesnt have an integrated optical shield to protect my eyes from wind and sun. Replaced my Giro Air Attack Shield Helmet which was stolen.
• Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB Cycling Gloves (2021) Keep hands comfortable on rides when it is cool and maybe wet. Cheap thanks to a clearance sale at sierra.com. Likely better gloves but they are getting the job done.
• Wahoo Fitness Kickr – not shown (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.

Beach / Water

When we spend extended time near a tropical beach these get pulled out.

• 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.
• 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) Prevent my toes from getting ripped up when using flippers. Sometimes used with sandals if I am constantly going in and out of water or with my cycling shoes if doing an extended ride is cold rain.
• YEESAM ART Diving Snorkeling Prescription Mask (2019) Lets me see clearly underwater.
• TYR Corrective Optical Performance Goggles – not shown (2012) so that I can actually see when I am swimming in pools.

Bags & Packs

I have a number bags and packs which are used in a variety of ways: EDC, onebag travel, picking up groceries, holding items I move room to room in our house, and trips into the back country. If Zpacks Ultra Bagger 25l is updated with the sitpad pocket which isn’t open on the top (or I DIY sealing the top) I might pick it up and retired my Vagabond and Dragonfly. I have a list of other trek, travel, and back-country packs.

• Updated: ZPacks Arc Hauler 50L size M (2025). Just 22oz for a framed pack with modest “trampoline” back. The most comfortable pack for me up to 22lbs. I recommend the optional “lumber” pad. The Ultra 100X is highly water resistant and dries quickly. Time with tell about it’s long term durability. Room for my bear canister. All but size “Tall” are carry-on complaint when the roll-top is rolled down to the frame.  Replace Gossamer Gear Gorilla and Hanchor Tufa which have been retired.
• New: ULA Equipment Ultra Dragonfly –  (2025) 30L pack which I use on trips which require me bring formal clothing, and/or trips which cover a wide range of climates while still fitting under the seat in front of me. The zipper opening makes it easy to pack and unpack. The top pocket is just the right size for items I need while in transit. While not as comfortable to carry as the Vagabond for extended hikes, it fine for use around town.
• Gossamer Gear Vagabond Trail – my review (2022) a 23L day pack which is light weight, comfortable to carry for extended periods of time, works well for EDC, and is large enough to hold everything I take for most trips. 46x27x15cm (18/10.75/5.75inches) with my normal gear is small enough to fit into every “personal item” sizer I have encountered and under the seat in front of me. I have heard some sizers are now “open” in which case it won’t smush and be considered carry-on rather than personal. While access is not as easy as a clamshell style bag, I have no problem retrieving items by feel because my clothing and stuff sack have different textures. Stands up on its bottom makes access on the go easy.  Also have a “Jet” model I received as a gift which has some upgrades, but I prefer the less padded Trail model. I have a ULA Ratpack Hip Belt which lets me offset some weight to my hips.
• Tom Bihn Smart Alec (2022 – discontinued) 26l durable bucket style day pack. Stands up by itself and is easily accessible through the top zippered opening without spilling. Functions as my desk / office storage at home. Typically doesn’t leave home, but sometimes used for picnics because it’s the perfect size for two compact folding chairs, a bottle of wine, a packable ground cover, and food. TB now has an updated version of this pack.
• Decathalon Packable 15L Courier Bag (2023) Used when most of my gear can be left behind. Easier to access on the go than a backpack and no sweaty back. Large enough to hold anything I might need, unstructured so light loads still feels small and can be worn under my slim fitting coat. Carrying >4lbs for an extended time is uncomfortable for my shoulder. The bag had several small holes appear after 1.5 years of everyday use, but it still usable. I expect I will get a few more years use out of it, but find the lack of durability disappointing. I have used other ultralight bags whose fabric showed no wear after similar use. On the other hand, it was only €8.
• S2S Ultra-Sil Stuff Sacks – not shown (2017) 2.5l, 5l, 8l stuff sacks made from silicon nylon.  Many uses: keep small items together, hold dirty clothing, washing bag, trash bag. Fairly waterproof, and the silicone doesn’t become a mess like PU does as it ages.

Backpacking / Winter

I have a 3-season packing list which makes use of stuff I use around town. The following items get pulled out for backpacking trips. 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 sub-freezing destinations. All these items are stored in an old Coke crate in the garage.

• Updated: ZPacks Hexamid (2025) A minimalist solo shelter which is compact, fairly storm resistant, with good ventilate/visibility when the doors are rolled back and requires just a single pole to set up. Replaced a Gossamer Gear Whisper (2023) which is roomier but is a bit more impacted by wind and requires two poles to set up.
• Durston X-Pro 2 (2022) Ultralight shelter for two people that weights 20oz. Good performance for 3+ seasons. Used it in moderate snow without problems. Easy to set up provided there is a flat space. Footprint in a bit larger than some 2-person shelters. Large vestibules. Very easy to use.
• NunatukUSA Ghost Quilt (2003 – discontinued). 16oz, comfortable to 30F, have comfortably pushed it down to 15F when wearing my clothing and outerwear. This is the second version of one of the first backpacking quilts commercially made. A bit narrower than most modern quilts. Has a more minimal footbox than current quilts… I like it because it makes it easy to ventilate my feet when I get too hot but works well enough in the cold.
• NEMO Tensor All Season Insulated Pad (2023). 13oz. Warm enough for me to use down to 10F. More comfortable and less noisy than NeoAir pads I used in the past.
• Updated: Trail Designs Fission Tri-Ti Caldera (2025), Gramcracker esbits Stove, MLD 850ml Pot. (2009). 4.5oz cooking set which fits inside the pot. Easy, efficient, compact. Replaced ULC Caldera because I was concerned that Trail Designs was going to stop operating and wanted a Ti that would let me use twigs as a fuel source.
• HydraPak 28mm Water Filter (2023). 2oz, can push more than 1l / minute through it with modest pressure. So little pressure is required that I can actually use it inline between a water bladder and a hydration tube. Attaches to SmartWater and Platypus water containers. Huge improvement over my old filter whose flow requires much more force as it has been clogging. Just remember to give it a good soak if fully dried out before the next trip, otherwise you will have very slow flow for around 60 minutes during the first use.
• Garmin InReach Mini (2020 – discontinued). 3.5oz satellite communication device. Can send an SOS and do short 2-way text messages. Take on solo trips when in locations without a lot of human traffic so my family doesn’t worry about me. I have found it works with tree cover and in most canyons, but in these conditions will often take 30-45 minutes to get a message out or receive messages. There were time it did not work in a slot canyon. Much faster when it have a broad view of the sky. Can be using with a smartphone, or the numeric pad on the device. Garmin replaced it with the model 2 and now model 3, both of which were an improvement.
• Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers (2023) Very light weight polyester pants which provide a good range of motion, are very light, pack up small, UPF 40. Dry in less than 2 hours when hung indoors, less than 1 hour when wearing after being completely soaked in a rain storm. Very breathable and comfort in hot weather. Downside is that the pockets are a bit shallow so items fall out when sitting down.
• Patagonia Cap 3 Tights (2007): added to my legs when facing continuously below freezing conditions.
• Montbell EX Wind Shell (2023) Weights just 56grams and easily fits in my pants pocket. Slim fitting. Provides decent wind protection while still being fairly breathable. Used for done in a day activities that have no risk of rain.
• 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.
• Buff PolarBuff (2003) Generally I use the hoods on my garments, but sometimes I want extra insulation for my neck or head.
• 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 without footwear with sufficient traction. Don’t remember the brand and it’s not stamped into the chains. When doing a lot of winter trips I would use screw shoes.
• OR Gaiters: (<1988) for keeping snow out of shoes/boots and the lower legs most dry.
• Hostel sleep system: 48″ x 62″ piece of Polartec Alpha Direct (2022) used as a compressible warm blanket and insulation during the day which is a $20 piece of bulk fabric, MLD Bag Liner (2023) 3oz 10D nylon sleep sack. For stays in basic hostels and alberques that don’t provide bedding of any sort. For a complete description see my poncho+liner page.
• Osprey Ultralight Drysack (2021) Sometimes used as a liner to protect against rain.

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. 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 by 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)

Stored – Replacement Items

These items will be pulled out when my current clothing wears out. Most of these items were purchased on close-out, on sale, lightly used. A few were purchased at full price when I realized an item was “perfect” for me, and there was a risk that I won’t be able to repurchase due to the model being discontinued or changed by the manufacturer. A few of the items were used for time, and then I decided to drop the number of items I have in a weekly rotation so they were sent to storage. It’s useful to 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.

• 3 pair of outlier slim dungarees (2012/2025)
• 1 pair OR Ferrosi pants (2022/2024)
• 2 outlier new way shorts (2014/2018)
• 2 western rise evolution pants (2022)
• 1 icebreaker tee shirts (2021)
• 1 arcteryx cormac shirts (2023)
• 1 pairs of icebreaker briefs (2014/2021)
• 4 pairs of darn tough socks (2013/2019)
• 2 pairs xoskin socks (2023/2025)
• 1 GoreWear R7 trail running jacket (2020/2022)
• 1 Montebell Peak Dry Jacket (2023)
• 1 Macpac Nitro hoodie (2022)
• 2 delta tee-shirts (2022)
• 1 Decathlon 15l Packable courier bag
• 1 Montbell Umbrero Hat

Stored – Possibly Retire

• REI Swiftline Running Shorts Shorts* (2022) are very light shorts which dry quickly and pack down into a tiny space. Useful for running, working out in the gym, and as sleep wear. They can be used for swimming in a pinch. Over the years I have purchased these sorts of minimalist shorts, used them a bit, ultimately sold them because they weren’t being used, only to re-acquire a pair. I now know to store these away until the next time I think they would be a good idea.
• 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 though is not as durable.
• 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. Using the Arcteryx Cormac hoody so don’t need arm sleeves.
• 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. Often using the Arcteryx Cormac hoody so don’t need any more.
• 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.
• Apple iPad Air 4* + Smart Keyboard Folio* for iPad (2010/2021) I have found the iPad works well for consuming media and can be an ok second monitor via USB-C tether with SideCar. This is my third iPad. I tried to do most of my “personal” computing on the iPad with a Magic Keyboard… I was disappointed. There is too much friction integrating information from several windows even under iPadOS26, and often the app experience on the iPad fell short when compared to the experience on a real laptop or Chromebook. The Folio keyboard is lighter weight and more compact than the Magic Keyboard but the feel is mediocre and it’s not stable enough to use on the lap. Mostly used to watch videos while using machines in the gym.
• Gossamer Gear Vagabond Jet Pack* (2024) More refined than the Trail model, but also heavier and has a bit less space inside because padded takes up space.
• o2Trainer  (2022) Working on improving my breathing. Not used enough to have an opinion. Now that continuous travel is done will take it out and give it a try.
• Penny Whistle (2023) Purchased after a fun inopportune concert while on the Camino. I thought: sounded beautiful, it’s cheap, light, small and durable. Perfect for travel. Alas, it takes time to sound good. Stored until I make time to practice.

Retired

• ChiliPad (2019) which cools or warms water which flows through a mattress topper. I need to be significantly colder than Jackie to sleep soundly. When under our bed the heat exchanger not able to hit the cooling target, but it has been fine when sitting out. Died after 6 years of use. 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.
• Hanchor Tufa (2023) 40L pack which weights 26oz and carries up to 22lb with comfort, usable up to around 27lb. I found it more comfortable than the HMG SW2400. When the rolltop is fully cinched down qualified as carry on for most airlines. When lightly packed has passed for a personal size item, can scrunch into many personal bag sizers. Beautifully made. Most of the body is 100D PC so water resistant without the risk of delimitation. Replaced this with a Zpacks Arc Hauler 50L size M which is also carry-on sized and is more comfortable for me to carry.
• Gossamer Gear Gorilla (2012) An older version of the Gorilla which I used when doing multi-night backcountry trips. 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 its carry characteristics. Gifted to a friend who needed a pack.
• 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. Haven’t needed it.
• 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. Looked at a bunch of much more expensive fanny packs, but not work as well. Closest was the REI Trail 5 but when I put my water bottle in a holster it gets in the way of my arms as they swing.